New archery club for the community in the heart of the BCP conurbation
1
The Pitch
Problem statement
Archery is a highly accessible sport, one of the few that almost everyone can enter, enjoy and potentially excel at but there is currently no provision for archery in the BCP area which has both public transport and disabled-friendly access. The high cost and shortage of land in the area is having a huge impact on archery clubs: They are being forced out of town to grounds often of poorer quality with basic facilities, or forced to share with other sports, reducing shooting time. Or both! By moving to less urban areas clubs are out of the reach of anyone without a vehicle, and increases costs for all. None of which encourages participation in archery.
Solution
PBA’s goal is to bring archery back into the heart of the community. By basing the club at a school, it will not only increase participation in healthy recreation, but support school funds and give the students an opportunity to experience archery. Funding will be spent on a range of equipment to enable us to welcome the widest range of the community; including bows and targets which will help facilitate disabled and junior archers participate who often struggle with standard equipment. By creating a welcoming, fully inclusive club we will boost mental well-being and foster social engagement by bringing people of all ages, genders, religion and physical abilities together.
Why are we best placed to deliver?
Our founding members have over 75yrs experience, as both archers and club officials in the local area. We have two licenced coaches with over 40yrs experience between them, including coaching an archer to international success, and who are part of the County coaching team. We will ensure success by creating a fun and empowering climate where autonomy, belonging and competence are nurtured. The Club is not-for-profit, and will be a CIO, with all income used to develop the Club and to promote archery in the community. Income will be raised from beginners courses and community-focused events such as “Have-A-Go” sessions and fun shoots, We will also hold county coaching sessions and tournaments.
Focus Areas
Delivery plan
Budget breakdown
| Recurve beginners kits (comprising Bow (riser, pair limbs, string, arrow rest, sight, longrod), PPE (Finger Tab, Armguard, & Quiver), and arrows - 8no right-hand, 4no left-hand @ £165each | £1,980 |
| Compound Beginners Kits (comprising Bow (bow, sight, longrod), and PPE (Finger Tab, Armguard, Quiver) and arrows 1 left-handed/1 right-handed@ £260each | £520 |
| Foam bosses 2@ £200 and A-frame stands 2@£50 | £500 |
Beneficiaries
50 people
Who will benefit
Expected impact
The whole community will benefit from the Club as it is open to all irrespective of age, gender, religion, physical ability, or financial resource. The school where we are based will benefit from fees paid for the field. We plan at least 40 beginners course places for new archers in our first year. As the number of volunteers grows along with the club we will offer more. Membership will be open to existing and lapsed archers too. As a high-focus activity archery has been shown to boost mental wellbeing as you do nothing but focus on hitting the target, as well as burning calories and strengthening muscles. It is a family-friendly sport, as all ages can shoot at the same time, and it is a great way to meet new people. Increasing participation in healthy recreation by giving the BCP community back an opportunity to enjoy a highly accessible sport that has proven mental and physical benefits. Having easy access to archery within the BCP area is needed for the well-being of the community.