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Archery courses

Course details

The Club runs Introduction to Archery (for beginners) courses twice a year, typically in spring and autumn. The course consists of a number of sessions lasting approximately 12 hours in total. Taster sessions last 2 hours and are usually held on a summer Sunday afternoon.

The courses usually take a maximum of 12 on the beginners and taster sessions (the “Places available” figure, below, is updated as each course fills up – but we may get late cancellations so it’s worth going on a ‘waiting list’ if you’d prefer an earlier course).

We have a number of members who are qualified archery coaches by Archery GB, the national governing body. The course content is predominantly hands-on, with all necessary equipment being provided. Young people aged 11 and above are welcome; however,  those under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult throughout the whole course. We also cater for students undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh award. 

Archery GB has published a set of ‘Codes of Conduct‘ applicable to Members; Adult Archers; Junior Archers; Coaches and officials; and, Spectators, Parents and Carers. We expect everyone to comply at all times.

We frequently get requests from parents about doing the course either just before or after their son or daughter takes their 1st lesson. Sometimes this is not possible if the class is full (they normally are). It’s certainly worth considering beforehand especially as you can have some friendly rivalry whilst encouraging and helping each other progress.

At the end of the course you will:

  • know and be able to apply the safety rules;
  • know how to warm up before and cool down after each archery session;
  • know the shooting techniques, scoring methods and etiquette involved in archery;
  • know how to use correct form and technique to enable you to get good groupings of arrows in the target;
  • Be aware of the different types of archery,  bow styles (and shown examples) and selection of equipment;
  • Receive a Certificate of Competence that will allow you to apply for membership of the Club (or any Archery GB affiliated club of your choice).

Archery GB have published guidance on “newbies next steps” and have also produced a Beginners Guidebook which contains a wealth of information for new archers.

If you join the Club you can hire bow and arrows etc until the next course is due (so usually for up to 6 months). The cost is £1 per week. 

Course dates and cost

The courses currently consist of 3 weekly evening sessions indoors followed by 2 outdoor sessions at the field (10-12 hours total).

The Spring course is usually mid March to early April. The Autumn course is usually mid September to early October.

The cost is £80 per person; with a £20 discount for anyone under 18 accompanied by a responsible adult who is also undertaking the same course. 

Course testimonials

What our course attendees have said …

“I really enjoyed the Introductory course. It was very friendly and welcoming and not to mention informative. Xxxx’s instruction was superb and helped me enormously.”

“I really enjoyed every minute. The coaching was excellent: patient, kindly, very attentive in picking up every detail to help me improve. Clear, understandable teaching and feedback in a relaxed atmosphere. Good biscuits. Couldn’t fault it. Thank-you.”

“Everyone who was on the course were amazing. Coaches couldn’t be more helpful, really wanting people to better themselves. Very enthusiastic bunch of people.“

Join a Course


Taster sessions

Two hour sessions are normally held on a summer Sunday afternoon. The cost is £20/person with a discount of £10 for any young person under the age of 18 if accompanied by an adult who is also taking part in the same session. 

The sessions usually take a maximum of 12

If you are interested in details of the taster sessions or would like further information then please contact us.

Duke of Edinburgh (DoE) award

We welcome students wishing to use archery towards their DoE award. This is our DoE guidance document (pdf, 180kb). 

You can contact us for more information.

Buying archery equipment

If you are considering purchasing equipment, you should first read this document (pdf, 3.5Mb) and talk to a coach. However, we strongly recommend that you DO NOT buy a bow until after finishing the course and asking advice from a coach. This is because your upper body strength will develop with practice and matching arrows to bow draw weight is essential to achieve an efficient and effective set up. We can also discuss and advise you on what equipment you may want to consider and how to ensure you get the best for your ability and money. Don’t forget that new members can hire bows, arrows, etc from the Club for the first 6 months of membership so there’s no rush to buy.

When you’ve bought your bow, arrows, etc., make a date with one of the coaches, below, to check the set up and to get help tuning the equipment to its most efficient level for you.