The Team is responsible for the District’s strategy to develop both Archery and Shooting so that they become a regular occurrence on the programmes of all Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Explorers & Network in Mersey Weaver.

Archery

Target archery is an internationally-recognised sport which features in both the Commonwealth and Olympic Games. This is the most popular form of the sport where, as its name suggests, participants shoot at static targets in order to score points. The size of target used, and the distance over which they are shot at, varies. A round consists of a number of ends of arrows. This is the number of arrows that each archer shoots prior to the scores being recorded and the arrows collected. When shooting indoors, ends normally consist of three arrows, and outdoors, six.

In order to achieve consistent scores, the archer aims to ensure that they are consistent in what they do for every shot. This includes standing in the exact same position, drawing the bowstring back the same distance, aiming at the same spot and so on. Many archers only ever compete against themselves, aiming to better their own personal best scores. Others will enter competitions and tournaments at local club level, county level or even national level.

To book an Archery Session

For more info about our Archery Equipment

Air Gun and Crossbow Target Shooting

Target shooting is, as its name implies, the sport of shooting at artificial targets as opposed to live quarry. It is an international sport, featured at the Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. The game is about marksmanship skill; the ability to repeatedly place shots in as small an area as possible in the centre of the target. Air guns firing pellets and Crossbows shooting bolts are used so the activity takes place on appropriately-designed ranges and safety is of prime importance. This focus on safety makes target shooting amongst the safest of all sports and shooting develops in its participants a strong safety culture with a self-disciplined approach to the handling of hazardous objects.

As in many aspects of athletics, shooters compete as much against themselves for the satisfaction of improving their own performance as to be ‘the best on the day’. Shooting is both an individual and a team sport and is one in which people of both genders and a very wide age range can compete on equal terms. The sport can be enjoyed by wheelchair users and, with modified equipment, by the blind. Success in the sport involves learning fine control of the body and, less obviously, also of the mind in order to overcome the stresses of competition.

To book a Shooting Session

Target Sports Team aims to:

  • promote the benefits and uptake of archery, air rifle/pistol and crossbow sessions in the District;
  • promote the District’s Leadership Development Fund;
  • support additional adults in the district to gain an archery permit or NSRA qualification for air rifle/pistol and crossbow so more young people can experience these activities;
  • share best practice and educate how to run activities safely;
  • provide a pool of permit holders willing to run archery sessions for others in the District and/or camping at QCW;
  • provide a pool of NSRA air rifle/pistol and crossbow YPS Tutors willing to run sessions for others in the District;
  • organise regular experiences and tasters for adults to develop their own shooting skills;
  • promote the Queen Charlotte’s Wood Activity Centre as a venue for Target Sports Activities in the District;
  • support the development and maintenance of both Mersey Weaver District Target Sports archery/shooting teams;
  • support the development and implementation of archery league/competition for Groups/Units in the District;
  • support the development and implementation of  target shooting competition for Groups/Units in the District;
  • support the development of additional archery, crossbow and air rifle resources and facilities within the District.

Organisation

The Team is managed by the Target Sports Team Leader who is responsible for delivery against the objectives and the routine running of the Unit.

Need support?

For assistance with an activity with your Beaver/Cub/Scout/Explorer/Network Section or Scout Group, please contact:

Interested in joining?

You do not need to be a current member of the Scout Association to join our team.  Therefore, if you are interested in helping to promote archery, crossbow and air gun shooting to young people and improve their skills then please consider joining us!