Discovering Archery

Nik first discovered archery in 2023 when, as a pupil at Danesfield School, he joined one of the club’s Wednesday evening beginners’ courses. After completing the course and gaining his beginner’s certificate, he quickly discovered that archery was a sport he really enjoyed.

Having returned to the club, Nik now shoots regularly on Saturday mornings and continues to develop his technique, consistency and confidence.

One of the unexpected highlights of returning to the club has been reconnecting with Sarah, one of our mentors, who previously knew Nik through Watchet Sea Scouts. It has been particularly rewarding to see how much he has developed since those early days.

Setting Goals and Seeing Progress

Nik has already achieved his 252 Awards at both 10 and 20 yards and is now working towards his 30-yard award.

The 252 scheme gives Nik clear personal goals to work towards and provides a way of recognising his developing consistency and accuracy.
Each new distance presents a different challenge, and Nik is determined to continue improving.

For Nik, the value of archery goes beyond the scores. Regular shooting has helped him develop concentration, confidence, patience and resilience while giving him the opportunity to work towards goals at his own pace.

Archery and Nik’s Duke of Edinburgh’s Award

Nik is undertaking his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award through his school, and his regular participation in archery at Bowmen of Danesfield forms part of his Award activity.

His DofE arrangements are managed through his school and DofE Leader, while his archery takes place here at Bowmen of Danesfield as a member of the club.

This means Nik’s school manages his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award arrangements, while Bowmen of Danesfield provides the archery environment where he participates, develops his skills, and works towards his personal goals.

Since returning to the club, Nik has been shooting regularly on Saturday mornings and continues to develop his technique, consistency and confidence. Archery gives him an activity he can work at over time, set personal goals, and see his progress develop.

Nik’s experience is a good example of how a young person can combine participation in an established sporting club with their wider Duke of Edinburgh’s Award journey.

Sarah’s Perspective

“It has been a real pleasure to welcome Nik back to Bowmen of Danesfield. Having known him previously through Watchet Sea Scouts, it’s wonderful to see how much he has grown in confidence and maturity.

Nik approaches every session with a positive attitude and a real willingness to learn. He listens carefully, works hard to improve and is always keen to challenge himself.

Seeing him achieve his 252 Awards has been thoroughly deserved, and it has been rewarding to watch his progress.

One of the great strengths of archery is that everyone develops at their own pace, and Nik has embraced that brilliantly. I hope his time at the club continues to be a positive part of his development and that we will see him continue to progress in the sport.”

Sarah, Bowmen of Danesfield

What’s Next for Nik?

Nik is keen to continue developing his archery and to see how far he can take the sport.

Whether he continues shooting recreationally, becomes involved in competitions or simply continues working towards his next personal goal, his progress demonstrates what can happen when a young person finds an activity they enjoy and commits to developing their skills.

At Bowmen of Danesfield, we are delighted to see Nik continuing his archery journey and look forward to seeing what he achieves next.