Information For Beginners

Introduction to Archery Course

Anyone new to archery has to complete a beginners course before they can join the club.

The course consists of four 2-hour sessions usually held on consecutive Saturday mornings from 10.30 am to 12.30 pm or Sunday afternoons from 1.00 pm to 3.30 pm on our outdoor field at Highbridge Farm in Allbrook.

(If for whatever reason you cannot attend any of the sessions - work commitment, holiday etc - we will always let you make up the lost time at a later date.)

Once you have completed the course, you will be able to apply for membership of the club.

Places are usually limited to 12
We ask for joining forms and course fees to be submitted in advance
Please arrive 30 mins early for the first session so that we can fit you out with suitable equipment
Course fees cannot be refunded if you cancel within a week of the course start date
1:1 sessions can be arranged, subject to coach availability

Costs

The fee for the four week course is £80.00 per adult (over 18) and £60 per junior (under 18)

This must be paid by bank transfer prior to the first day of the course

In addition we can arrange 1:1/ family intensive courses, subject to coach availability, throughout the year @£100 per person.

If you would like to give the course to someone as a present, we can provide a personalised Gift Certificate but for this we do ask for payment in advance, please.

Course Dates for 2024

June - Saturdays - 10:30- 12:30

Saturday June - 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd

August - Sundays - 13:00- 15:00

Sunday August - 4th,11th, 18th, 25th

September - Saturdays - 10:30- 12:30

Saturday September 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th

Please note:
These dates are subject to change/addition

To Book a Place

Our new online booking and payment system will be online very early in 2024, in the meantime though, If you would like to book a place on any of the above Introduction to Archery courses or need more information please e-mail:

beginners@acdelcobowmenarchery.club

Children

Young archers tend to start from about 8 years upwards, but we don't actually insist on a lower age limit.

The determining factor is whether the child can follow instructions and observe safety rules.

We do however have to insist that junior archers (anyone under the age of 18) are at all times accompanied by a parent or nominated adult.

Coaching

Our club has a strong team of highly experienced, nationally qualified coaches enabling us to offer one-to-one instruction on the shooting line. Our primary concern is to make sure you shoot safely but having fun comes a very close second. Motivation is everything. We believe that anyone can be taught to shoot a bow – all you need is the desire to do it.

Equipment

The club will provide you with all the necessary archery equipment, leaving you to focus on what you'll need for your personal comfort – warm clothing, food, drink, chair etc.

Beyond the Course

Once you have successfully completed the course, you will receive a nationally recognised certificate, confirming that you are ready to progress. We then invite you to become a member of the club for which there is an annual fee.

Rest assured we will continue to support and advise you, at whatever level you want to shoot, with whatever type of bow.

The major asset of our club is the willingness of our coaches and members to help you with all aspects of archery and to answer any questions you may have.

As for purchasing your own bow, this is a big decision not to be taken lightly and we actively discourage new members from buying equipment until they know precisely what they want. When that happy moment eventually arrives, we will give you informed advice and even come with you to the shop to ensure you get kit that is matched to you as an individual. As with wands, the bow chooses the archer!

Group events

Archery is a great activity for a one-off group event, such as a birthday party, company away day or maybe even a stag or hen do (but prior to the beer or Prosecco stage, please!).

If you would like to talk over what you have in mind complete a Group Enquiry Form and we will get back to you ASAP and try our best to work something out with you.

Does the club provide equipment?

The club will provide all the equipment you'll need to complete the course, so there is no need to bring anything other than yourselves.
Does Archery suit a particular type of person?

Archery is an All Inclusive Sport and has no barriers for anyone. We have many club members with disabilities – wheelchair users, for example, as well as people with visual and other impairments – and it is a sport that appeals equally to both men and women, boys and girls. This makes it the ultimate family sport.
What if I have never taken part in Archery before?

No problem at all! There is no need for you to have completed any Archery before to attend our courses, the course itself is designed for this very purpose and will show you everything you need to know to get started.
What happens if I am unable to attend a session?

If for any reason you cannot attend any of the sessions be it because of an emergency or prior commitment we will always try our best to allow you to make up the lost time at a later date. If you know before starting the course that you may be unable to attend a date, it really helps us to be able to plan your session if you inform us when booking.
Will the weather impact the course?

Generally our courses will run in all weathers so please do dress appropriately for the weather that day. However in extreme weather conditions (Heavy Rain or Thunderstorms for example) it may be necessary to either call off or stop the course, if this happens you will be notified at the earliest opportunity and we will rearrange the course schedule accordingly to ensure you do not miss out on your full course.
Where are the courses located?

Our courses are all located on our main field, details of which can be found here: Our location