Visually impaired children give archery a go

An archery club in Northumberland hosted a group of visually impaired children who were given the opportunity to experience the thrill of shooting a bow.

Border Reiver Archers were approached to provide a taster session by Useful Vision, a charity that provides positive opportunities for VI children in the North East.
 
The event took place on 9 June at Ovingham Middle School playing field, the club's HQ.
 
A team of three coaches, two coaches-in-training, and five experienced club members all gave their time to support the event. Alison, a member of school staff kindly came in voluntarily to open the sports block for toilet access.
 
The coaches had all been taught the theory of archery for VI people but it was their first practical opportunity to support VI archery. 
 
Nine children, ranging from 4 to 12 years of age with a range of visual impairments, took part alongside Lorna Armstrong, Activity Coordinator from Useful Vision.
 
Yvonne Stead, Regional Development Officer for Northern Counties and Ian Norwood, County Coach Officer for the area, gave advice with foot-frame plans sourced from British Blind Sport and built by a club member. Ian borrowed a frame from the County organisation and the club now has four sets of VI equipment that can be lent out to other clubs.
 
The club has shared how they ran the session to help other clubs who may be thinking about engaging with VI groups.

Tips for running a VI archery session

• Although a tripod is typically used with VI adults to indicate bow height, this would take time with children because of the greater height difference. Instead, ask a coach to hold a pole next to the archer on the line
• Set targets at a short distance - around 10 yards works well - and use 54” bows of 10-12lbs draw weight, as well as jelly bows (simple beginners' bows)
• Have an extra boss and bows available and encourage accompanying adults to have a go

The verbal feedback from the club members involved was very positive, and they were very willing to repeat the experience.
 
Dave Bell, club chair, said: "For me, it was so fulfilling and exciting, and probably the single best experience in my time as a coach."
 
Lorna Armstrong, from Useful Vision, said: "All our children had an incredible time and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, as did the grownups!" She added the session was very accessible and inclusive especially with the children being taken up to the targets to feel them prior to shooting and foot guides and balloons to help them know how to stand and when their arrow landed on target. Having a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio per child also meant each child had the level of support they needed.
 
"The children had minimum wait times in between shooting and this worked really well. During this time they enjoyed rooting and cheering for their friends and parents. Thank you so much to the whole team for making this an incredible event."
 
Useful Vision are now hoping to organise another session in the spring.
 
Archery is one of the most accessible sports around. Use our club finder tool to find a club near you and start your archery journey today:
 
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