Adults and children of all ages are being encouraged to take part in Start Archery Week (May 6-14).
Now in its 11th year, the event sees archery clubs across the country open their doors to potential archers, welcoming people of all abilities to have a go at what is one of the most accessible sports around.
For the first time, the NI Civil Service Archery Club will be hosting a Start Archery Week Event. The club is nearly 40 years old and is based at the Pavilion Grounds in Stormont Estate. Membership is open to the general public as well as public servants and members are welcomed from the age of eight.
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The club will be hosting a free have-a-go archery on Saturday, May 13, between 10am and 2pm. Soft archery will be available for younger children.
Those who want to spend more time immersing themselves in the sport can book a 30-minute individual session with an instructor between 10am and 12.30pm. Costing £10 this is for ages eight and over and needs to be pre-booked.
Other clubs and venues hosting Start Archery Weeks events in Northern Ireland include Peninsula Archery Coaching in Newtownards, County Down, and Lisburn City Archery Club in Lisburn, County Antrim.
This fun and inclusive sport is perfect for anyone wanting to try something new, be it on their own or together with family and friends - even those who have never picked up a bow before will be able to enjoy the satisfaction of successfully hitting the target.
Aside from its amazing social appeal, archery has many health benefits for both body and mind, it can help develop physical strength and fitness as well as boost confidence and increase mindfulness.
Phoebe Paterson Pine, Paralympic champion and current world number 1, said: “Archery is a truly adaptable sport; anyone can take it up at any age no matter their ability. I started archery back in 2012 after going on holiday and my club did its very best to make me feel welcomed and gave me the support I needed to be at the level I am today.
“If you are interested in starting archery, please don't hesitate to reach out to your local archery club.”
Those new to the sport needn’t worry about anything other than turning up and having fun as all equipment will be provided for and, if you do find yourself wanting to continue there will be courses to sign up to, to help you start your archery journey. Some sessions need to be pre-booked, while others are held on a drop-in basis.
More information about dates, times and where Start Archery Week events will be held is available by visiting the event finder map .
For more information about Start Archery Week and getting involved, please visit https://archerygb.org/get-involved/archery-for-beginners/start-archery-week or www.startarchery.co.uk
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