Exploring why young Australians participate in the sport of fencing: Future avenues for sports-based health promotion.

issue addressedAustralian sport policy calls for a diverse sector to get more individuals more active. This study contributes to an evidence base of alternative sport options that may increase physical activity levels in adolescents, as we sought to understand why Australians decide to participate in fencing when aged <18 years.

methodsA retrospective, mixed-methods survey design was employed to measure why a participant started fencing and what participants like about fencing compared to other sports. Free-text qualitative data were analysed thematically. Quantitative data were collected to answer secondary objectives, using nonparametric tests to determine significance between the median scores prefencing and postfencing for enjoyment and frequency of participation.

resultsOne hundred and one fencers across Australia who started fencing aged <18 years completed the survey. Respondents primarily started fencing for fun/enjoyment, followed by the desire to try something different/alternative/nonmainstream. Four themes were identified relating to why a participant decided to start fencing: (i) external motivators, (ii) influence of interest and imagination, (iii) developing the self and (iv) the supportive culture.

conclusionsFencing may encourage adolescent participation in physical activity due to unique characteristics which attracts individuals for reasons beyond the need to be active alone, and instead affords a space for self-exploration, learning, and belonging. Further research is required to identify how fencing can engage different cohorts of adolescents, and any barriers to participation. SO WHAT?: Fencing could be utilised to promote engagement in physical activity among Australian adolescents by emphasising the creative, mental, and inclusive aspects of the sport.