About
NCF Boulder Youth Fencing Programs offers youth fencing for new fencers starting at age 7, with Foundation, Development, and Competitive training. Foundation includes one group session and one private lesson each week and provides all club equipment. Development includes two group sessions and one private lesson each week, and personal equipment is recommended. Competitive is by invitation only and includes two group sessions, two private lessons with Coach Gary, Wednesday competition prep, and Saturday Immersion training.
Programs
- Youth Fencing Programs — Foundation, Development, Competitive; new fencers starting at age 7
- Foundation — New fencers · 1 group session per week; 1 private lesson per week · Introduction to competitive fencing. All club equipment provided. Month-to-month commitment.
- Development — Committed fencers · 2 group sessions per week; 1 private lesson per week · Personal equipment recommended. 3-month commitment.
- Competitive — By invitation only · 2 group sessions per week; 2 private lessons per week with Coach Gary; Wednesday competition prep; Saturday Immersion training · Integrated competitive program with competition support, tournament selection, and bout analysis.
At a glance
- Ages: 7–18 years old
- General schedule: Youth Programs: three tiers of development; progression by readiness, not age. Youth and adult training run at the club, and adult sessions run alongside youth training.
About the provider
NCF Boulder was founded in 1979. Gary Copeland is the founder and head coach, Andrea Lagan is a coach, and Devin Tafoya is a coach. The program states that it has produced 46 individual national champions, over 800 national finalists, and 64 Junior and Cadet World Championship and Pan American team selections. Gary Copeland was named to the USA Fencing Hall of Fame Class of 2027 and was named the US Olympic Committee Fencing Coach of the Year. Andrea Lagan is a former New Zealand national epee champion and was the U.S. Olympic Committee Developmental Coach of the Year. Devin Tafoya is a USA Fencing A-rated epeeist, NCAA Championship Qualifier, North American Cup medalist, and NCAA Division I fencer.
Your child advances by readiness, not age. Competitive is by invitation only. New fencers start at age 7. The first lesson is complimentary. No experience necessary.
What families say
“"My daughter is gifted and has ADHD. Team sports were a disaster. Too much chaos, too much waiting. Fencing was different from day one. The focus she's developed on the strip shows up in her schoolwork."” — Michelle K. Louisville Parent
“"I wasn't the athletic kid. I was the chess club kid. Coach Gary saw something in me that soccer coaches never did. That boutique attention got me recruited to an Ivy League program."” — NCF Alumni NCAA Athlete '24
“"NCF Boulder was the first activity where our son looks forward to practice. The mental resilience he's developed helped him through AP exams as much as Nationals."” — Sarah J. Boulder Parent
Last updated November 6, 2026.
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