Archery, shooting arrows with a bow, has been practised since prehistoric times.

Originally as a means of getting food, and as a method of warfare.

 

Nowadays, archery is practised as a sport.

 

In some parts of the world, archery is also a form of hunting. This is NOT allowed in the UK.

 

There are several disciplines, including:

Contact any of the clubs listed below.

Archery is a sport that it is unwise to try to teach yourself. Firstly due to the safety aspects - injuries are very rare, due to meticulous safety procedures at clubs.

The second reason for not attempting to teach yourself archery, is that clubs have a good range of equipment available for beginners to use, and bows and arrows have to be matched to the archer. 

All the clubs listed above are based in, or just outside the borough of Shrewsbury and Atcham. All offer facilities for both senior and junior archers, as well as accommodating beginners.

 

You can find out details of clubs in other areas, by visiting the GNAS website.

 

British governing body

 

International Governing Body

Target archery is one of the few sports where disabled and able-bodied people compete on equal status.

Contact the clubs to find out about disabled access to thier venues.

There are a few events where spectators would be welcome, look at the club websites above.

It would be worth contacting the organiser first, to ensure that you can visit safely.

Alison comes from Church Stretton, and is a member of the Long Mynd Archers club. She has been one of the top archers in the world for several years, and she won a bronze medal at the Athens Olympics.