The 2022 National Tour starts this weekend, we've had a look at the youth recurve archers to watch, but what about the youth compound archers?
Bucks or Bounty kicks off the National Tour season this weekend, with many up and coming youth compound archers, let's take a look at who we are keeping an eye on for this season.
Chloe A'Bear, 17 years old, is coming through the ranks, not just for youth compound archers, but on the senior scene. She is growing year on year, so let's see what she has to say about the upcoming National Tour season!
Grace Chappell, 20 years old, is well known on the senior and youth compound circuit. She has been growing up in the sport and is hitting the senior rankings harder this year!
What are you most looking forward to about the 2022 National Tour season?
"I'm looking forward to going to big competitions again. There aren't many in the indoor season so being back outdoors is always nice."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"My main goal would be making the team for the European Youth Championships at Lilleshall. It's my last year as an under 21 so I'm making the most of it. I am looking to be competitive as a senior so that is another goal this season, leading into next year.
What would it mean to you to make the National Tour finals at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham this year?
"I didn't expect to make the top 8 last year. So to make it again this year would be amazing. Being in the finals is a massive boost and super enjoyable. All I can do is work as hard as possible and see what happens at each National Tour Stage.
How do you feel going into the 2022 season?
"I feel more confident than I have in previous outdoor seasons. I have improved each year, and I already have got multiple personal bests since March. So I just have to continue working hard and enjoying competitions."
Which is your favourite stage of the National Tour and why?
"I've loved Surrey National Tour each year. It's always been hot and a great field. So hopefully it'll be the same weather this year!"
Oscar Orford, 17 years old, has represented GB at a youth level and is taking to the National Tour scene in the senior division for the first time this year. How does he feel ahead of it?
What are you most looking forward to about the 2022 National Tour season?Â
"I'm most looking forward to having high levelled head-to-head match play. Also experiencing the excitement of the tour for the first time."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?Â
"This season, my goals are to first be selected for both the European Youth Cup in Romania and the European Youth Championships at Lilleshall. Then to hopefully medal at least one but hopefully both. My aspirational goal would be to win in my individual category at either of these competitions."
What would it mean to you to make the National Tour finals at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham this year?Â
"I would love to make it to the National Tour finals this year. I think it would show how the cadet archers can still have a large effect on adult tournaments. Hopefully, this will inspire other younger archers to try and compete at larger events like the National Tour."
How do you feel going into the 2022 season?Â
"I feel like the 2022 season is going to be very enjoyable now that covid has almost gone. The outdoor season for me is always far more enjoyable than indoors. I feel strong going into this season off of a highly successful indoor season. I hope this success carries on."
Which is your favourite stage of the National Tour and why?
"As this is my first year of the Tour, I am unsure which stage I will enjoy the most. However, I am looking forward to Stage 1 Bucks or Bounty as it will be my first major tournament of the year."
Thomas Lane, also 17 years old, represented GB at the World Youth Championships in 2021, whilst also climbing the senior rankings. He has shot at a senior level for a while now, so how will his National Tour season go?
What are you most looking forward to about the 2022 National Tour season?
"I am looking forward to shooting all stages of the National Tour this year. Also seeing how high I can place in the rankings."
What are your goals and aspirations for the season?
"To be selected for the European Youth Outdoor Championships which are being held at Lilleshall. And to make my first international finals match. Improve my National Tour ranking from last year."
What would it mean to you to make the National Tour finals at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham this year?
"It would be an incredible achievement to make the National Tour finals. Not only is Wollaton Hall a fantastic venue, but it is also in my home county of Nottinghamshire. So it would make the occasion even more special.
How do you feel going into the 2022 season? Â
"I feel really confident going into the outdoor season. Indoors went really well and I got a lot out of the winter squad sessions. IÂ have had a good start to the outdoor season so far. I am excited to see what the rest of the season has in store."
Which is your favourite stage of the National Tour and why?
"Stage 1 as it means the outdoor season is properly underway and there are lots of competitions to come."
The 2022 National Tour will be hosted by clubs around the UK and scores will be live through Ianseo throughout the year.
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