Each month we'll be introducing you to one of our brilliant new junior ambassadors, letting them tell their story in their own words of who they are, what they love and why they chose to become an Archery GB ambassador. This month, we hear from Patience "P" Wood.
Hi, I’m P. I am a compound archer from Merseyside and I have been shooting for around six years. I’m part of Bebington Archers. I’m also in year 11 at and will be sitting my GCSEs in June.
I wanted to become a Youth Ambassador for Archery GB to signpost and encourage other young people to “have a go” and to generally show them how supportive and incredible the sport of archery is.
I was lucky enough to have a best mate already on the scheme and he (Max Oakley) convinced me that I would be okay. You see, I have rather bad social anxiety. I’m also severely dyslexic, so the thought of public speaking, well, it was not high on my wish list!
Max supported me (literally coached me) through my first primary school visit and have-a-go session at Lilleshall Primary School, where we were joined by Bowbrook Archery Club coaches, and I survived!
That was nearly a year ago now. Since then I have spoken at countless primary and secondary school assemblies all over the Wirral. I have run numerous have-a-go sessions with Birkenhead District Scout Team for young people aged six years up and sessions for our local Muslim Group, The Deen Centre. It is so much fun and incredibly rewarding.
I have spoken at youth groups about my archery journey and how shooting for Great Britain has helped not only my physical but also my mental health. I have also visited nursing homes to promote Active Wirral and Active Seniors, played archery games with the residents and chatted with them about what it is like to be an archer and win competitions.
I was chosen in November 2022 as the Wirral’s Young Athlete of the Year and since then I have spoken alongside Sport England’s Justine Blomeley and Olympic Gold Medallist Freya Anderson MBE at a Merseyside Sports Partnership Conference. I am now on the committee for Sports Development in the Wirral hoping to shape accessibility and opportunity for young people within my region.
In 2023 my work as an Archery GB Ambassador will be even more exciting as I am working in partnership again with Tranmere Rovers F.C. Football in the Community Team and Street Games to hopefully inspire more young people to join our amazing archery community.
