Think you've missed the mark for starting a new sport? At 93, beginner archer Eric is here to show you that 2026 is the perfect year to aim for something different.
The start of a new year often brings a flurry of resolutions - many of which feel like chores. But what if your resolution was simply to find a new sense of joy? If you're an older person hesitant about taking up a new sport, take a leaf out of Eric’s book. At 93, he's a beginner archer at Bowbrook Archers and an example of how a new hobby can inject purpose and social connection into later life.
Eric's son, John, perfectly captured this sentiment: “How fantastic is archery that it gives the opportunity for somebody as old as dad to not have to look back at everything in their life, to Have something to look forward to.”
The ultimate mental escape
Like Eric’s previous hobby, fly fishing, archery offers a powerful mental focus. The sport demands concentration on the shot, which forces all other worries to the side. Eric found it to be the same: “All the worries disappear.” He’s replacing passive leisure with active engagement (and maintaining his sense of humour!): “What I won't do is put a little woolly hat on and sit in front of the television. Instead, I’m going to put a woolly hat on and come out on the range.”
All abilities welcome
One of the great advantages of archery is its adaptability. Eric's coach, Peter, notes that it’s an excellent sport that you can “adapt and go at your own pace.”
The importance of the social side
After losing his partner, Eric shared that the “social side of things is very important.” Joining a club like Bowbrook Archers has provided him with an immediate community.
When asked what he would say to other seniors who are scared to try it, Eric was characteristically direct : “It's nothing to be scared about at all. I think it just depends on your personality as to how willing you are to try new things.” With a beginner's course under his belt, Eric is now planning to shoot at least once a fortnight, and maybe even weekly.
As Coach Peter says, with archery, “You can choose what you want to do,” whether that’s competing on an international level or simply coming down to “fling a few arrows.”
It’s natural to feel a bit of trepidation when walking into a club for the first time. Eric’s experience shows that the archery community is built on support, not judgment. Most clubs offer have-a-go sessions or beginner courses specifically designed to walk you through the basics at a comfortable pace. You don’t need to own any equipment to start; clubs almost always provide everything you need. And, if you are worried about standing for long periods or have back issues, don't let that stop you. As Eric proves, sitting is just as valid as standing on the shooting line.
You don't need to be Robin Hood to enjoy the satisfaction of an arrow hitting the target. Whether you’re 60, 70, or 93 like Eric, the range is waiting for you. If you're ready to try something new this January, you can find your nearest club today via the Archery GB Club Finder and book a taster session.
Give yourself something to look forward to in 2026.
