A soft archery after school club in Stockbridge, Edinburgh is helping children discover archery in a fun and inclusive way while building their self-confidence.
Delivered with support from the SportScotland funded Active Schools programme, the club has introduced 20 primary aged pupils to the sport using soft archery equipment, creating a welcoming space where enjoyment, safety, and skill development come first. Sessions were delivered by school parent and archer, Victoria Barby, and a team of parent helpers.
Soft archery allows young archers to build confidence, coordination, strength, posture, and shooting technique in a safe and accessible way. These core skills directly support progression into traditional archery, helping children to transition more smoothly to recurve or barebow equipment when they are ready. Soft archery also reinforces important habits around range safety, self discipline and consistency, ensuring archers are well prepared for the next stage of their archery development.
Across the term, the young archers have been working towards Archery GB's Just Shoot Awards, giving them clear goals and a tangible sense of progress. Sessions focus not only on shooting technique, but also on the wider values that archery teaches, including focus, patience, respect, teamwork, and self confidence. The badge scheme has proved a powerful motivator, allowing every child to progress at their own pace and celebrate personal achievements alongside their peers.
The term concluded with a special awards ceremony where the children proudly received their badges in front of family members, teachers, and guests. The event highlighted the growing archery pathway in the area with attendees from Flora Stevenson’s Archery Club, the newly formed club at Broughton High School, Scottish Archery, and an Archery GB Coach Developer. The school’s Head Teacher and PE Teacher presented the awards, reinforcing the value of archery within the wider school community.
Ryan McGill, Active Schools Co Ordinator, said: "The work Victoria and her band of parent helpers have done in the soft archery space at the school has been phenomenal over the course of the two years. We see a great number of children looking to take part and the engagement from pupils is a pleasure to see.
"Word has spread around the community with more soft archery clubs being created in neighbouring schools. Victoria is helping to create a hub in central Edinburgh for the sport, something which hasn't been seen in schools for such a long time."
Victoria Barby said: "Supported by dedicated volunteers and strong community partnerships, the club is helping young people see archery as a sport for life, one arrow at a time."
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