DS11 started fencing last November. He enjoys it and was told by the club he's good at.
But I constantly got a vibe from him that he's on the fence if he wants to invest himself for the long run.
To improve himself and to make it more a goal setting sport, he had to join the squad so he could fence against the stronger fencers. Each session last about an hour and a half after school. Because of his height and his ability, he needed to go to the session between 6:15 to 8pm with older fencers, twice a week. He's exhausted afterwards each time. And then there's little time left for him to unwind once he's back home before having to go to bed. He'd need to join tournaments during weekends in future if continues.
He has cricket and scout on two separate week days. So 4 out of 5 afternoon/evenings are engaged.
The week before Easter break, he only went to the club once. Then we were away for a week. He hasn't asked or mentioned about fencing at all during this time. I had the serious doubt again if the sport means much to him. I asked him whilst telling him no need to worry about the money invested and don't feel pressurised. He said he does like fencing as a sport, but he does feel physically/mentally drained more than any other sports he's done.
Can I ask if anyone has had similar experience before with fencing? Would this exhaustion improve over time? I'm unsure if it's worth continuing or better off stop here. I feel he doesn't have enough passion for the sacrifice to make it a serious pursuit.
I've been paying £150/month fixed fee for the squad sessions and he just had his own foil and wheelie bag too. There's little point if he's not in the squad, as nearly all stronger fences are in the squad and they don't fence with those who are not in.