Community Clubs

The first specialism for clubs to work towards achieving has been launched.

Once a club has joined ontarget it then has a choice if it wants to become a specialist club within the programme. Specialisms have been developed, so that we can recognise and reward those clubs that are already working hard in specific areas of the sport and also to help those with aspirations to develop specific features of their club.

Three areas we are focussing the development phase of ontarget on are 'Community', Young People' and 'Performance'. These areas are considered as features of the sport we need to develop in order for the sport to grow.

As archery has a unique selling point being such an inclusive, social and family oriented sport allowing the young and old to shoot and compete together, it is fitting that the first specialism to be launched is the Community specialism.

Community specialist clubs seek to explore ways to allow the local community easy access to the sport, consistently working towards providing opportunities for as many people as possible and is aware of the barriers that exist but seeks out solutions to overcome them.

Community specialist clubs will be seen as places where people can enjoy a high quality archery experience with excellent social, training and competition opportunities.

Arran Coggan, National Club Development Coordinator, said:

"We want to grow the sport and increase the number of people accessing archery, especially as we head towards London 2012. We think the sport is fantastic and Community specialist clubs are a way of offering the sport to many more people.

Specialisms are about clubs doing activity not collecting paperwork. The 'specialism' process is an ongoing one and not an end in itself, all clubs will be invited to explore how to improve the activities that they provide."

ontarget clubs are invited to consider how they currently provide activity against seven characteristics and tell us what activity they are generating to meet but also expand on. By completing a self assessment, clubs will be able to reflect on their strengths and weaknesses. When the club is classified as a Community club it will be given that classification, and will also have a plan of action that the Development Team will have supported.

If a club isn't able to supply enough information, then the Development Team will work with the club to move towards this in the future.

Throughout the year there will further resources available for ontarget clubs to aid their development and all ontarget clubs will be able to apply for a small amount of funding to support new activities and enhance current ones.

Joining the development phase of ontarget is optional for clubs and there is no closing date.

For further information please click here.