Although the National Fencing Association Malta has a short history, fencing has long been practised on the island. It was introduced by British servicemen whilst stationed in Malta.
However, following the British departure in 1979, fencing activities were very limited due to lack of interest and organisation. In 1992, the sport was reintroduced in a local school.
Following the success generated by young followers, classes were also opened for adults. Such courses started being held three times a year and consequently the St Paul Fencing Club was established.
Since the number of participants was always on the increase, the creation of a national fencing association had become necessary.
The National Fencing Association Malta was founded in 1997.
The NFAM has two affiliated clubs: the St. Paul Fencing Club and En Garde Fencing Club. At present no other organisation or club has the NFAM’s approval to organise fencing classes at any level on the Maltese islands.
The NFAM was affiliated to the International Fencing Association (FIE) in 1998, to the European Fencing Confederation in 1999, and to the Mediterranean Fencing Confederation, a relatively new but very active organisation, in 2003.
It is a full member of the Malta Olympic Committee, who over the past years has done its utmost to offer logistic and administrative support to the NFAM. Current members of the Council are Juan Formosa, President; Kenneth Spiteri, General Secretary; Alex Micallef, Treasurer; Nicky Bianchi, Technical Director; Nello Micallef, Member.
On a national level, the NFAM’s objective is to promote fencing and to ensure a high level of quality of the affiliated clubs.
Furthermore, the NFAM fosters Maltese participation in overseas activities. Every year, fencers of all age categories participate in training camps, minor and major competitions abroad, and thus gain valuable competitive and personal experience.
To date our efforts have brought about positive results that show the great capacity and competitiveness of our fencers. Also, the NFAM has close relationships with national fencing bodies of other countries, in particular with the Federazione Italiana di Scherma, thus promoting cooperation, exchange of knowledge and assistance.
Being part of the International Fencing Federation, the NFAM is always up-to-date as to news and activities all around the world.
Under the auspices of the NFAM, several ranking competitions take place every year, the majority of which are open to foreign clubs and competitors as well. The ‘SPFC Malta Open’ in particular attracts many British, German and Italian fencers.
Current and future activities
Youth development: The participation of the NFAM President and Secretary in the Mediterranean Forum on Fencing in Modica, Sicily, in September 2005, paved the way for a group of young Maltese to take part in a training camp in the same period. Before Christmas, a training camp in Lignano, Italy led to the participation of a youth team in the Under 18 Mediterranean Championships in Tunis in January 2006; the team was benefiting from the MIA youth development sports policy in collaboration with the Kunsill Malti ghall-Isport. The competitive season for youths continued with the National Championships in March, which for the second time included the Cadets, i.e. fencers under 17. The next target at international level is participation in the January 2007 edition of the Mediterranean Championships in Syracuse, Sicily.
Senior team. The Council is still weighing the possibility of participating with a small contingent in the 2006 World Championships in Torino, Italy. The next important event, and a possibility for local fencers to participate in a high level competition without incurring travel costs, is the Malta Open in June 2006, which will also serve as a preparation for the world championships.
Juan Formosa
President