WHY FAMILIES CHOOSE FCA — DUAL CAREER REVIEWS
, by Erika Kirpu, 3 min reading time
Balancing high-performance sport with academic life is one of the greatest challenges young athletes face. At the Future Champions Academy (FCA) in Milan, our Dual Career Program exists to make that balance not only possible — but deeply empowering.
Every year, fencers and their families from around the world join FCA to train at Olympic level while continuing their education in top Milan schools and universities. Our holistic system — connecting coaches, athletic trainers, mental coaches, physiotherapists, and academic partners — helps athletes grow as competitors and as individuals.
But the best way to understand the Dual Career experience is through the words of those who live it every day.
Below are four real stories from athletes and parents who became part of our community.
⭐ “A Complete Pathway That Truly Makes a Difference”
Virginia Romeo (Épée, 23, Switzerland)
“I’m part of the Top Level program at the Piccolo Teatro Future Champions Academy, and I truly appreciate its integrated approach.
The constant collaboration between the coach, athletic trainer, mental coach, and physiotherapist allows me to work on every aspect of my performance in a coordinated and personalized way.
The environment is both motivating and supportive, making it an ideal place to grow as an athlete and as a person.
Having a structure where I can train, recover, and improve every day, with professionals who communicate closely with each other, really makes a difference.”
⭐ “Training, Support, and Real Results”
Sandra DeGroot — mother of Blake (Foil, 19, Canada)
“The Top Level program has been an excellent experience for Blake.
The training is great and the facility has everything he needs.
Mental coaching and physiotherapy are always available for him.
The coaching is strong and consistent — and his results reflect the quality of the program.”
⭐ “A Supportive Community and the Right Challenges”
Joel Bal La Hood (Épée, 19, New Zealand)
“The club brings a really friendly environment — exactly the type that’s perfect for me, where everyone is respectful and supportive.
I’m new to the Dual Career aspect, but so far it’s been really convenient and easy to jump into.
The club has so many amazing fencers who challenge me and elevate my level.
The lessons are great because they’re planned around what you need the most.”
⭐ “A Seamless Experience for Our Daughter”
Tanya & Peter Knudsen — parents of Ayda (Épée, 18, USA)
“From our perspective it was a terrific and seamless opportunity for our daughter to jump in and build community with ease.
The training — both mental and physical — provided a comprehensive holistic approach.
Ample opportunities for competitions and fencing experience were readily available.
We truly enjoyed becoming a part of the Piccolo Teatro fencing family.
Thank you for welcoming us and for the continued support for our daughter.”
Families are an essential part of every Dual Career journey, and their trust is something we honour with great responsibility. For us, it’s essential that parents feel their children are in a safe, structured, and inspiring environment— a place where they can grow confidently as both athletes and young adults.
Knowing that their son or daughter is supported by a coordinated team of coaches, teachers, and specialists brings true peace of mind and creates a genuine sense of belonging for the entire family.