A group of coaches have completed a training weekend as part of their Archery GB Development Coach Level 2 Course.
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The course took place on 18 and 19 January at Greenwood Academy, Dreghorn, North Ayrshire, Scotland. It was delivered by Coach Developer duo Bill Mackay and Iain Wilson, who between them delivered an engaging and thought-provoking session, sparking lots of debate and discussions throughout the weekend.
The coaches completed Archery Technique: Drills and Skills and Coaching Technique – Practice modules as part of the Archery GB Development Coach Level 2 course. Participants travelled from across the country including Montrose, Helensburgh, Edinburgh, Lanarkshire, and Perth.
The Level 2 course equips coaches with the skills and knowledge on how to develop new archers through designing and delivering learning. It aims to help people continue their archery journey beyond their initial beginner's experience. Lack of support following a beginner's course is one of the biggest reasons people leave a new sport.
Bill Mackay, Coach Developer on the course, said: "Both days were extremely busy with the coaches. The work on Saturday was mixed with theory and putting this together in practice.
"These days are always different as it needs the input at the level each coach and archer is at: 'coach the archer not the sport'."
Sunday started in the classroom to finish the drills recap. The participants then spent some time preparing before heading into the hall to work with two volunteer barebow archers.
Learners alternated between video setup with analysis and working in groups on drills, and how to change from exercise bands to a light bow and then their competition bow. They then coached the archers on new drills and how to adapt for the bowstyles.
Bill said: "My reflection of the weekend is that the learning environment is created by the collective openness of all to explore new ways of working together."
Adelle Fleming, one of the course learners, said: "The Level 2 weekend was an enabling and motivational weekend that created lots of discussion and innovative thought. It was a good learning experience in a relaxed atmosphere. As well as being a learning experience it was a networking event, creating valuable contacts for the future."
The organisers would like to thank The Ancient Society of Kilwinning Archers for hosting this weekend at Greenwood Academy in North Ayrshire with the use of bosses, support with setup, and tidying up too.
Euan Murray, from Scottish Archery, said: "Thank you to everyone who made the effort to attend, many travelling from afar and staying overnight. I hope everyone enjoyed the course and took away some learning that can apply at their club working with the archers they coach.
"Thanks also to Bill, Iain, the archers, and some of the Level 3 coaches who came to observe and support the course as part of their own coach development."
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