Clubs have an exciting opportunity to engage with Help for Heroes veterans by advertising their taster sessions and beginners' courses on the charity's website.
For National Inclusion Week, we're encouraging clubs to open their doors to veterans, not only introducing them to a new hobby but also welcoming them into a supportive sporting community. Veterans often seek new skills and community involvement, and archery is a sport that provides both. Many clubs have already seen great success by reaching out to former service personnel. To make sessions accessible, clubs are encouraged to offer taster sessions, allowing veterans to experience the sport before committing.
Thomas Gascoigne of Exmoor Archers shared his experience working with veterans. He said: "The archery experience for us was excellent. It was a great opportunity to provide archery to a new group of people. It was easy to set up, and overall, it was so worthwhile."
Veterans participating in the sessions enjoyed the experience, with some even going on to join local clubs. "We presented them with completion certificates so they could go and join any archery club near them. Two joined a club near Torquay where they lived, and one joined us," Thomas added.
Archery GB staff have all been given the opportunity to complete UK Sport and Mind's Mental Health Awareness for Sport and Physical Activity course, while every club that participated in this year's Start Archery Week was given a funded place on the course. To find out more about the course click here.
If you’re considering setting up a veterans' program, ensure you have enough volunteers to provide individualised support. Thomas explained: "Some participants took to the sport easily, others needed more help and encouragement."
For more information or to register your interest, please contact Archery GB's Engagement Coordinator, Stuart Wall, at stuart.wall@archerygb.org.
Visit www.helpforheroes.org.uk for further details on supporting veterans.
