Can I join if I don’t have any experience?

Yes. We run beginners' courses at the start of the academic year in term 1, and sometimes also at the start of term 2, each year every year just for this purpose. We’ll teach you how to shoot on safely on your own. Take a look at our 'Get Involved' page for more info.

When are your session times for beginners'?

We run beginners' courses at the start of Terms 1 and 2. The days and times of these vary year-to-year depending on our facility allocations; please check the information you have been given for your course for exact dates and times.

How do I sign up for a beginners' course?

We sell places on our courses through a shop on the Students Union website a few weeks before the course is due to start. Closer to the time look out for a post on our website/Facebook page which will tell you in more detail how to sign up.

How much coaching is available?

Throughout the beginners' course each group will have an assigned coach teaching them how to shoot. After this we have a friendly club coach, Nick, who will be happy to help you with your shooting form. Experience members are also on hand at sessions to help you if you need it, too!

Do I need to do a beginners' course?

To join our club we need you to be able to shoot safely to a minimum standard set by Archery GB, our national governing body. Unless you have been an Archery GB (or other World Archery affiliated body) member before, you'll need to do a beginners' course.

I have shot a few times before at summer camps etc. do I still need to do a beginners' course?

Yes, see above.

Can I still join the club if I haven’t done the beginners' course?

Although the SU website will still technically allow you to purchase membership, you will not be able to participate in any our sessions without having completed the course. If you missed out on one of the courses, you will have to wait until the next signup opens; we do not provide beginners' teaching at our regular sessions.

Do I have to be a member of your club sign up to the beginner’s course?

No, you don’t, but it is a good idea to sign up to the course first to guarantee yourself a place.

I have already done an Archery GB beginners' course external to this club; what should I do?

Great, every year we get some members who join us with previous archery experience! We need to put you through a quick safety assessment to make sure you are safe to shoot with us. Contact the club via email (preferred) or via our Facebook page to arrange a time when a committee member can meet you at session to assess you and explain how the club works!

Do I need my own equipment for the beginners' course?

No you do not, we have club bows, arrows, and protective equipment that are free for you to use during our beginners' course and at subsequent sessions afterwards. If you do arrive with your own equipment to one of our courses you will not be permitted to use it for safety reasons.

Should I buy my own equipment?

No as stated we provide you with equipment for the beginners' course. If you want to buy your own equipment once the beginners course has finished, we run a bow buying trips in Term 2 to reputable archery shops where we can help you choose the best kit for you.

When do you run team selections?

Archery is unlike most team sports in that anyone can shoot with us, as a member of our club, regardless of whether you make our teams. We don’t have fixed teams from the start of the year meaning they can change throughout the year as everyone progresses. You can even go to competitions as a complete beginner (after doing our beginners’ course of course!).