Jez Greville has spent more than 10 years introducing young people to the sport of archery. During this time, he has taught over 50,000 children across schools, camps, and private venues throughout Wiltshire and Gloucestershire.
He says his mission has always been simple: make learning exciting, safe, and unforgettable.
Jez shares his approach to junior archery and delivering engaging sessions in schools:
"I firmly believe that learning should be fun. When children are engaged and enjoying themselves, confidence grows naturally and progress happens faster. With this philosophy at the heart of my coaching, I have created a wide range of unique archery games and challenges. These activities are carefully designed to develop accuracy, focus, coordination, and teamwork, while keeping sessions energetic and inclusive. By turning practice into interactive challenges, students build skills without even realising how much they are learning.
"In schools, camps, and private events, I specialise in soft tip archery. This allows me to deliver safe, structured sessions that are accessible to all abilities and age groups. Every session places strong emphasis on safety, correct stance, proper technique, and respect for equipment. My goal is for every child to experience achievement; whether that is hitting their first target or improving their personal best.
"Alongside this, I teach steel tip archery at the Cotswold Range. The range operates as a dedicated activity centre built on the same core philosophy that guides my work in schools; structured coaching combined with innovative games and engaging challenges. It provides a professional and inspiring environment where archers can learn a new sport and enjoy an activity with the whole family or group of friends. Seasoned archers and regular visitors come to refine precision and develop their skills with all our fun games.
"Reaching over 50,000 young people has been an incredible privilege and responsibility. Seeing students grow in confidence, overcome challenges, and discover a passion for archery motivates me every day. Through creativity, dedication, and a strong belief in positive learning experiences, I am committed to continuing to inspire the next generation of archers for many years to come."
Age: 6+
Prep time: 5 mins
Equipment: 1 x arrow, bow and target, 1 x snakes and ladders board (giant works best but not essential), 8 x different colour cones as tokens
Set up: There are various set ups to suit your group size. For a basic set up, put a queue of cones around the board leading to a waiting cone and the shooting cone.
Game instructions: Get students to line up surrounding the board along the queue line. Ask them to take turns to shoot the target then place the bow down and move round the board to move their token along the board. Proceed around the board to join the back of the queue.
As soon as the bow is placed down the player at the waiting cone may collect the arrow and take their turn and so on.
My snakes and ladders board has bee stings where players must swap with another player. You can let them double the score so they can move double the number they shot on the target. You can also pick a square which requires the players to take their next go standing on one leg.
Variations: There are lots of variations of set ups. You can put students into teams or use multiple targets or different target distances to make the challenge easier or harder. If you don't have a giant snakes and ladders board, a standard board can be used or use a board each.
Indoors and out, this is one of the students (and my) all time favourites.
