April 24, 2024

First Northern Counties Junior Training Event a success

The first Northern Counties Junior Training Event has taken place with young people coming from across the North of England to take part.

The event took place on Saturday 20 April at Rochdale Company of Archers.

Northern Counties has created a number of subgroups to enable counties to work together and provide opportunities for archers in specific areas, with one of these groups set up for junior members. The group consists of each county representative for juniors, Archery GB Young Ambassadors and the Regional Lead for Juniors.

The group undertook a survey, which asked juniors what they would like to see available within the Northern Counties and from the results, it was noted that juniors would like to get together more and have the opportunity to train together.

The inaugural training event’s purpose was to bring juniors together to train in a competition format, with judges available to answer questions whilst also judging, and then to undertake a head-to-head (where teams were named after chocolate bars) with the ultimate aim for the day to be fun!

Juniors at the NCAS event

The event was overseen by Philip Taylor and a phenomenal number of volunteers who ran the event, including the field party and providing food. In addition, there were volunteers from the University of Huddersfield supporting with IANSEO, Judges Phil and Lorraine Morris and Lady President Jean Stretton.

Jean, the Lancashire President, presented a prize to the top three best mascots of the day and the best boy and girl for highest scores during the morning’s competition practice.

Participants attended from Cheshire, Cumbria, Durham and Northumberland, Lancashire and Yorkshire, and had a wide range of archery experience, from those who started shooting six months ago to those who have shot for over five years.

Feedback from the parents during the event helped NCAS to understand whether the booking system and information in advance worked and also included some feedback on facilities, timings and other elements for future events.

Participants also gave feedback via post-it notes.

Post-it notes showing feedback

Parent Christine Roberts said: "Well done on a great event yesterday. I think all the juniors got a lot out of the training and Sam said how much fun she had."

Another parent, Chris Paskin, said: "Myself and Lewis absolutely loved the day, it has helped us both massively as this was our first time away from a club night since starting target archery in September."

Alicia Wanstall-Austin added: "It was so much fun and the kid came home buzzing. She was sure four weeks away would have her shooting terribly and this was a perfect way for her to regain her confidence and feel the fun again!"