Adults and children of all ages are being invited to try their hand at archery at clubs and experience centres around the country during Start Archery Week (14 - 22 May 2022).
This fun and inclusive sport is perfect for anyone wanting to try something new - on their own or with a group of family members or friends – all ages and abilities are invited to take part and experience the feeling of achievement as the arrow hits the target!
This annual event to engage new audiences, organised by Archery GB, its club volunteers and archery providers across the country, has been renamed to celebrate its 10th year. Since its launch during London 2012, the event has introduced thousands of people to the sport of archery. Start Archery Week is committed to extending that welcome even further this year.
Whether inspired by the medal successes of British athletes in Tokyo or keen to channel an inner superhero, Start Archery Week is the perfect opportunity for newcomers to try this most inclusive of sports.
Archery clubs and providers right across Great Britain and Northern Ireland are taking part as well as schools, outdoor and experience centres and other venues. Many of the events are free or charge just a small fee so as many people as possible can take up a bow and have a go.
Visit our experience finder and select 'Start Archery Week' under type of experience to find an event near you.
Neil Armitage, CEO of Archery GB, said: “We’re excited to be celebrating 10 years of introducing people to archery through clubs and archery providers opening their doors to local communities during this annual mass participation event.
"We believe the benefits of archery are huge both in terms of physical and mental health. It’s also a very inclusive activity that is a lot of fun for all ages and abilities so I hope as many people as possible will take advantage of Start Archery Week this year.”
Archery has numerous benefits including building core strength, improving hand-eye coordination and helping people to switch off from day-to-day stresses. Archers are also very sociable so it’s a great way to meet people and make new friends. At each event there will be someone on hand to introduce newcomers and help them to start archery.
The sport is fully accessible and many clubs provide soft Arrows Archery kits for children as young as 3 years old to have a go.
Visitors of all ages and abilities will be able to have a go at the sport, which is naturally socially-distanced, often experienced outside and therefore a great option for those who understandably remain cautious due to Covid.
All equipment is provided, therefore anyone interested in starting archery just needs to check the arrangement at their club or venue of choice - for example whether a booking is required - and go along to find out more for themselves.
More details can be found via our dedicated Start Archery Week page.
Local archery clubs can be found via the club finder:
