FAQ

About the Academy

1. What are the Academy’s core values?
Future Champions Academy exists to help athletes grow as both fencers and people.
We believe that excellence in fencing corresponds to excellence as a human being.
Our philosophy is rooted in the Olympic values of respect, friendship, and excellence — regardless of gender, race, or background.
FCA fosters community, personal growth, and balance between sport, academics, and life.

2. Which weapons are trained at the Academy?
All three Olympic weapons — épée, foil, and sabre.

3. Can I visit for a short period or come with my team?
Yes. We welcome both individual fencers and groups. You can train on a daily, weekly, or short-term basis.
For national teams or large delegations, please contact our management team for customized programs.

4. Who are the coaches?
Our staff includes Olympic-level and world-class maestros from Piccolo Teatro Milano and Future Champions Camps — including coaches with Olympic and World Championship experience across all three weapons.

5. Do I need to speak Italian?
No, our coaches speak English.
However, if you apply to an academic program taught in Italian, you must meet that institution’s language requirements.
We also collaborate with Il Centro – di Lingua e Cultura Italiana per Stranieri, which offers Italian language courses and certifications.

6. Will I learn only the Italian school of fencing?
Our coaching staff is international. While many come from the Italian tradition, our teaching follows the French School in technical terminology and integrates best practices from all fencing cultures.

Academics & Dual Career

7. What are the study options?
FCA offers a Dual Career Program that allows athletes to train full-time while studying in Milan.
Our academic partners include:

Dwight Global Online School — world-recognized online private school for student-athletes aged 11-18.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore — with special pathways in Sport Management and Sport Psychology.
Università Statale di Milano — for broader undergraduate and graduate programs in various disciplines.
We also collaborate with IULM University (Communication & PR) and trusted online schools (AEON International, Holy Trinity Online).

8. Can I attend school or university without joining the Academy?
You can register at Dwight Global Online School through our network and benefit from special conditions even without being a full FCA athlete. However, university-level Dual Career benefits are reserved for registered FCA members.

If you wish to apply to Dwight Global Online School, please send your request to info@futurechampionsacademy.com or contact us directly via the chat on our website.

9. Can I come for one semester or study abroad?
Yes. One-term stays are possible depending on credit transfer agreements between your current school or university and our partners.
Most IB and international universities recognize these credits.

10. Can FCA assist with visas, housing, or settling in Milan?
Yes — partially. FCA collaborates with In-Domus and other professional residences for safe student housing.
Visa and relocation procedures are managed directly by your school or university, but we offer guidance and connect you with trusted agencies in Milan.

11. Where will I live?

High school students: boarding options via Convitto Nazionale Pietro Longone or host families.
University students: residences at Cattolica, Bocconi, or In-Domus.
Short stays: private apartments and partner accommodations near the Academy.

Training & Competition

12. Can I compete in Italian or European tournaments?
Yes. All FCA members are part of Piccolo Teatro Milano, one of Italy’s top fencing clubs.
You can compete in Italian national circuits and international events (subject to your home federation’s approval).

13. What about athlete protection?
FCA enforces strict SafeSport and Code of Conduct standards.
All coaches are certified professionals; there is zero tolerance for any form of harassment, discrimination, or abuse.
We promote inclusion and equality in all aspects of club life.

14. What’s Milan like?
Milan is a vibrant, safe, and international city with efficient public transport, three airports (Linate, Malpensa and Bergamo), world-class universities, and a rich cultural life.
It’s the perfect place to grow — in sport, study, and as a person.

15. Where is the Academy located? What is Piccolo Teatro Milano Fencing Club?
We train inside the firefighter complex at Via Giulio Cesare Procaccini 6/A, 20154 Milano. Piccolo Teatro Milano is a historic Milanese fencing club (founded in 1927), currently ranked among the top clubs by the Italian Fencing Federation (FIS).