Archery GB and the Southern Counties Archery Society, are pleased to announce the appointment of Toby Andrews as the Archery Development Officer (Southern Counties).
This jointly funded role will engage and work in partnership with the County Associations and their clubs across the region. A priority will be to support the increased retention of archers and reduction of churn through the provision of a quality experience across clubs, coaching and competition. This will achieved through the delivery of a local plan in line with agreed national activities and working with counties and clubs on their local priorities.
The Southern Counties have the highest number of Archery GB members, and clubs, and therefore the ideal region to start this important work. Working with County Associations and other local partners, the role will seek to make a positive contribution to the development of the sport from grassroots to national levels.
Arran Coggan, Clubs and Facilities Manager Archery GB, said: Â"We have long sought the opportunity to have regionally based staff to support clubs, coaches and volunteers. The role will strengthen our support for club development and improve the links between staff and activity within Archery GB, the region, counties and clubs.
Â"I am grateful to SCAS for supporting this role, and it is a great example of the sport working together to provide the best opportunity for change and improvement. We are looking forward to Toby joining us and playing his part in supporting grassroots archery.”
Steve Ellison, Chairman of SCAS, said: Â"It's exciting to be working with Archery GB on a substantial development partnership like this, and I'm very grateful to our Regional Council for releasing sufficient funds. Like all Regions, we see Clubs and Counties struggling to find volunteers, protect and improve their shooting facilities and widen participation in the sport. These are broad problems, and we're looking for a professional approach to kickstart some clear initiatives that will make a real difference in the region."
Toby's experience includes working for Active Essex where he enabled sports clubs to grow and supported an increase in the offer of physical activity across Essex. Building positive working relationships, Toby has worked with NGB reps, volunteer networks, schools and key stakeholders and will ensure a closer working relationship between SCAS and Archery GB.Toby joined the team on 7 January 2019.
If other regions or counties are interested in exploring the possibility of co-funding a development officer role please contact Arran Coggan, arran.coggan@archerygb.org for further information.
