Friday Headlines

10 December 2021

At EHS we do all we can to encourage our students to aim high -  with interests both in and outside of school - and so PE staff were delighted to learn about two pupils’ success in the unusual sport of archery, and keen to support them.
 
Let us introduce you to Abbie and Violet (pictured at the Stourbridge Company of Archers indoor tournament, below). The girls have been quietly honing their craft behind the scenes, achieving great things in the world of junior archery. Scooping up multiple accolades between them, regularly breaking club records and improving on their PBs is just the beginning for these two young sportswomen, and with Team GB aspirations a very real possibility, Abbie (Year 7) and Violet (Year 9) have arching success firmly in their sights.

Sports Captain Megan Hardiman interviewed both girls to find out more about their passion for the sport.

Violet:

1. How did you first get involved in archery?
I first got involved in archery when I was about five. I did a taster session while I was on holiday in Scotland. I started doing archery properly when I was eight.

2. At what level do you do archery?
This year I have achieved the outdoor classification of Junior Master Bowmen which is the highest classification you can have. This gives you access to Junior Masters, an invitation-only national competition. 

3. What do you enjoy about archery?
I enjoy archery because I get to meet people who I would not have met if I hadn’t started archery. I like being able to improve, because no matter how well my training sessions go I still have something I can improve on. 

4. What archery training do you do?
In training I use a multitude of target faces to prepare for different competitions. I shoot at a range of distances for the outdoor season, and in the indoor season I shoot at  20 yards and 18 metres.

5. What competitions have you competed in recently? What level were these and where did they take place?

•    Worcester - the first of the indoor competitions, it took place at Droitwich Archery Society.
•    Long Mynd Heritage - The Long Mynd heritage was held near Church Stretton and it was where all the county trophies were given out, as it was the last of the county competitions.
•    Junior Masters - an invitation-only national competition in Gloucester.
•    Junior Intercounty - I was on the Shropshire squad and part of the winning team with the 2nd highest score and I was the only compound on the squad. 

6. What does your player pathway look like in archery?
My player pathway is the National Talent Development Programme where I will be coached by GB coaches with the aim of getting me ready for the GB squad.

7. Do you have any tips for budding archers?
My tips for budding archers are to practise your technique because if you don’t then your scores will start to suffer. Most of all you should enjoy it!  

Abigail:

1. How did you first get involved in archery?
I’ve wanted to do archery ever since I was little. Since then, I took part in a beginner’s course at Redhill Archers and joined the club after that.

2. At what level do you do archery?
In 2021, I have broken three club records, won a silver medal at the outdoor national championships and became West Midlands and Worcestershire under 12 champion. I am currently ranked 2nd in my category in Great Britain and am part of Great Britain’s National Talent Development Programme. I have also represented the county.

3. What do you enjoy about archery?
I enjoy how it’s an individual sport so I’m only really competing against myself. I also enjoy the fun of it.

4. What archery training do you do?
I attend club practice once a week, I perform drills at home, I see a specialist coach every other week and I attend the GB development program.

5. What competitions have you competed in recently? What level were these and where did they take place?

•    The Junior National Outdoor Championships which were at Lilleshall. 
•    The West Midlands and Worcestershire county championships at my club in Redhill. 
•    The Stourbridge Company of Archers at Waseley School. 

6. Do you have any competitions coming up? If so, what are they?
I am looking forward to the Junior Indoor National Championships.

7. What does your player pathway look like in archery?
My coach feels that I have the potential to be in GB’s archery academy and to represent team GB.

8. Do you have any role models in archery? If so, who are they and why do they inspire you?
A fellow archer called Emilia because she is where I want to be in the future and she helps me where she can.

9. Do you have any tips for budding archers?
Get a good coach, learn the basics before you buy a big bow and enjoy it. Also, technique is everything and scores will come.

Well done girls! We are excited to hear more about their progress and shall continue to follow their sporting careers with real interest.