Interested?
There are over 1,100 clubs In the UK, although some specialise in particular types of archery such as 'Field' or 'Target' and many have access to indoor facilities over the winter season for practising and shooting in competition at closer distances.
Who Can Take Part?
ARCHERY is a sport for all people!
Men, women and juniors from all sections of the community are encouraged
to participate at all levels in the sport: Shooting, administration,
coaching, judging, competition and representing Great Britain at
International events such as the Olympic games.
Instruction
Almost all clubs in the United Kingdom are able to arrange a course of six introductory lessons, which cover a basic understanding of technique and disciplines for shooting in safety and with relative accuracy. Most courses will be organised and supervised by qualified GNAS coaches.
Any instruction organised by a GNAS affiliated club that follows recognised procedures is covered by the Society's public liability insurance policy. An average charge of between £15.00 to £20.00 may be levied for the course of six lessons and nearly always Includes the use of basic equipment.
Equipment
By far, the greatest number of archers choose to shoot recurve bows, the modern version of the traditional Longbow. Rapid technological developments over the last few years have led to an increasing popularity with the 'compound' bow, distinguished by its much shorter length, pulley wheels, cables and telescopic sights.
The GNAS also recognises Crossbow Archery, which has become a distinctive, specialist discipline with its own rules and objectives.
Although wooden arrows are still shot by some archers, usually those who shoot the traditional longbow most arrows are produced from aluminium, carbon or a combination of both. They are extremely light and vary considerably in price depending on their toughness or durability.
The Grand National Archery Society
The GNAS is the recognised Governing Body for all forms of archery in the United Kingdom and is currently responsible for approximately 20,000 members. The GNAS is affiliated to the International Archery Federation (FITA) and is a member of the British Olympic Association. Sports Council is also involved, generously providing valuable assistance with the Society's long term plans. By virtue of these affiliations and memberships, archery is represented in the Olympic Games, World and European Championships and other international events. The GNAS is also responsible for its own National Tournaments, usually organised and hosted by leading archery clubs or groups.
Benefits Of Affiliation
- Provided that the rules of shooting and constitution of the GNAS are adhered to, affiliated archers and clubs are covered by the Society's public liability insurance policy.
- The Society has one of the best coaching organisations in sport with coaches and instructors available at club, county, regional and national levels.
- Judges at county, regional, national and international levels are appointed supervise tournaments throughout the UK.
- Handicap and classification schemes enable all archers to participate in competition on equal terms and helps to monitor their progress in shooting ability with archers nation wide.
- Awards are available in many forms for participating members of the GNAS, in recognition of shooting ability or their services on behalf of the Society.
- Rulebooks, handicap tables, information, news magazines and other publications are available for all Society members.
- Membership of the GNAS allows archers to shoot with any affiliated club in the United Kingdom or with clubs affiliated to FITA, the sport's international governing body.
- The GNAS organises and administers international senior and junior training squads, actively participating in a comprehensive International Programme.
Field Archery - Takes place
on a course of targets set Out in rough country (often woodland), The
Shooting distances are frequently unmarked so that archers have to rely
on judgement and instinct, particularly if they elect to shoot without
sighting aids or with the traditional long bow.
Costs
For those entering the sport for the first time, archery equipment can prove expensive and disappointing if purchased without the guidance of a qualified coach or experienced archer. It is recommended that a six weeks beginner's course be completed using the equipment provided, before considering any major purchase.
However, as a guide, the cost of basic equipment (Bow, arrows, arm guard, fingertab, quiver etc), will be approximately £100- £150. Second hand equipment can represent a significant saving but should always be considered only after an inspection by an experienced archer,
On joining an archery club, new members will be asked to pay an annual subscription, which varies from club to club. The fee will be used to fund any club expenses, and is also used to pay affiliation fees to the County and Regional Associations, together with the principle fee going to the National Governing Body (GNAS). The total outlay is relatively inexpensive compared to many sports. An annual cost of £50.00 for an adult member is about average, with reduced fees for juniors. Sometimes a club will offer a reduction for family membership.
Apart from archery equipment, the only other major consideration is the GNAS requirement to wear traditional green or white clothing when participating in some archery tournaments. These are not expensive specialised 'uniforms' but standard garments obtainable from both archery shops or high street stores.
-
Clout Archery - Similar
to target, except that the archer attempts to drop arrows at long
range (l8O yards for the men and 140 yards for women) into a series
of circular scoring zones on the ground surrounding a marker
flag.Increasing publicity and promotion through the GNAS is
accounting for more archers achieving recognition in the press or
through the
What can we offer you ?
Our Trained Coaches will teach novices and experienced archers the skills required to develop them into potential bowmen and bow women. All children work towards attaining a certificate within the National Junior Archery Scheme. All equipment is provided.
Deanes Sports College,
Daws Heath Road.Thundersley
Essex SS7 2TD
01268 741 162
ARCHERY COURSES
Top coaches will teach novices and experienced archers the skills required to
develop them into potential bowmen and bow women. All children work towards
attaining a certificate within the National Junior Archery Scheme.
All equipment is provided.
DATES / TIMES
(school term times only)
MONDAY
4.30pm to 5.30pm Beginners - Juniors
5.30pm to 6.30pm Beginners - Juniors
TUESDAY
5.00pm to 6.30pm Intermediate - Juniors
6.30pm to 8pm Advanced - Juniors
8pm to 9.30pm Beginners - Seniors
Intermediate - Seniors and Advanced Seniors
please note
a beginner is an archer who is under training and has not been given a certificate of competence
Top coaches will teach novices and experienced archers the skills required to
develop them into potential bowmen and bow women. All children work towards
attaining a certificate within the National Junior Archery Scheme.
All equipment is provided.
PRICES
Juniors £ 3.00 per session
Seniors £ 3.00 per session (equipment provided)
For more information, and to check availability please call
John Willson - GNAS County Coach
07860 736610