We are thrilled to announce a unique and innovative approach to fencing: 2-4-1 Fencing. Developed in collaboration with 2-4-1 and Eric Momberg, Head Fencing Coach at Lawrence University, and a member of USA Fencing and the US Fencing Coaches Association, this program promises to revolutionize how we introduce fencing to the next generation.
Why is 2-4-1 Fencing Special?
Affordability and Accessibility: One of the most significant barriers to fencing has been cost and accessibility. 2-4-1 Fencing breaks down these barriers. It is offered at just 2% of the cost of traditional fencing and can be practiced almost anywhere.
Play-Based Curriculum: Our curriculum mirrors Olympic-style fencing, ensuring that anyone who completes the program can transition seamlessly into a traditional fencing club with proper footwork and technique.
Simplicity and Innovation: The beauty of 2-4-1 Fencing lies in its simplicity. It’s designed to be easily deliverable, making it an ideal introduction to the sport for children, whether in after-school programs or physical education classes.
Broadening the Reach
From Individuals to Large Groups: The curriculum is adaptable, catering to groups as small as two or as large as 200. This flexibility means that we can introduce fencing to a vast array of students, regardless of their skill level.
Progressive Learning: After an eight-week introductory course, students can progress to intramural-style contests and tournaments, keeping the learning process dynamic and engaging.
Appealing to Kids’ Imagination: Kids adore the program’s mix of group games, individual instruction, and imaginative play. Fencing evokes exciting images – from Zorro and the Three Musketeers to Star Wars’ lightsabers. We build on this allure to make fencing both fun and educational.
Recognition and Expansion
Project Play Champion: Recognized by the Aspen Institute’s Sport and Society Program as a Project Play Champion, 2-4-1 Fencing is now set to expand across North America. We’ve already ordered 1,000 units of our modified equipment – essentially modified pool noodles with a removable plastic handle – to meet the growing demand.
Our Vision and Hope
With 2-4-1 Fencing, we aim to collaborate with USA Fencing and other organizations passionate about growing this magnificent sport. Our goal is not just to teach fencing but to instill respect, honor, and the values inherent in this Olympic sport.
Join us in this exciting journey to make fencing accessible, enjoyable, and a part of every child’s life.
For a recent story about 2-4-1 Fencing – watch this great clip from NBC CT.
To see a beginning Middle School program working with a local prep school using 2-4-1 Fencing click HERE,
For more information on 2-4-1 Fencing and how to get involved, please contact Steve Boyle at 2-4-1 (steve@241play.org) or Coach Eric Momberg (swordguy42@hotmail.com) at Lawrence University, Appleton, Wisconsin.
Let’s Fence!
About Steve Boyle
Steve Boyle is a connector, collaborator, and tireless advocate for making youth sports more playful, inclusive, and developmentally sound. As Executive Director of 2-4-1 CARE, Inc. and Co-Founder of 2-4-1 Sports, Steve has helped lead a growing movement to reshape the youth sports experience—one that puts the joy of play and the whole child at the center. Grounded in his background as a school counselor and coach, Steve co-created the award-winning TOP Self™ platform, which uses sport as a vehicle for social-emotional learning. Under his collaborative leadership, 2-4-1 has grown from a single program in West Hartford, Connecticut to a global nonprofit impacting communities across North America and Africa. Steve’s influence extends beyond his own organization. He served as Advisory Board Chair for the National Association of Physical Literacy and as Global Lead for Athletics and Physical Literacy at Whittle School & Studios, shaping programming in Washington, D.C. and Shenzhen. Whether working with local partners or global networks, Steve brings humility, heart, and a belief in the power of teamwork to everything he does.
I teach 7-8 PE in Germantown Wisconsin and am very interested in learning more about this program!