Our beginner’s courses are run twice yearly in Spring and Summer. Over three three-hour sessions you will learn all about the equipment used in target archery, the basics of setting up and shooting with a bow, shooting etiquette, and about the important safety aspects of the sport.
The courses are run by our experienced and qualified volunteer coaches and once completed you will be eligible to join Archery GB and become a member of the club. All equipment is provided, and our club insurance fully covers all participants. Following the course, we offer finishers the opportunity to shoot with the club for two club sessions to gain further insight into what being a member is all about ahead of inviting beginners to join the club.
For beginners who become members, we offer the opportunity to hire club equipment for the first 3 three months of membership. During this time, coaches and club members will provide all the advice and guidance you need for purchasing your equipment.
Completing the beginner’s course also allows you to join Archery GB. Archery GB provides the infrastructure of the sport in Great Britain, and membership allows you to shoot at affiliated clubs as well as enter competitions. Being an Archery GB member is a requirement of membership of Worcester Bowmen. Throughout the beginners’ course, all details of membership requirements will be shared with participants, and guidance and help given where needed.
If you are interested in attending one of our beginner’s courses get in touch with us and let us know. We will get straight back to you with all the details.
Next Course Details
Beginners Course FAQs
Where do the courses take place?
Our beginners’ courses are held at our usual shooting venue, which is Winterfold School near Kidderminster. Onsite parking is available, and we will send all participants the location and travel details prior to the start of the course.
What should I wear?
You should avoid baggy tops or sleeves or bulky jackets as these will make it difficult to shoot. Closer fitting clothing – such as dedicated sports clothing – should be worn to prevent the string of the bow from tangling with or catching on garments. Likewise, you should avoid wearing hooded tops with drawstrings. Wear sensible, flat-soled footwear. Generally, trainers are best.
We will advise if the course is being held indoors or outdoors. For courses that are held outside, we recommend that you bring clothing that will keep you warm, and layering is always best. If it looks like rain, bring waterproof clothing and if possible, wear waterproof footwear.
Three important things:
- Do not wear open-toe shoes, sandals, or flip-flops.
- Long hair must be tied back.
- Upper body piercings, including earrings, must be removed prior to shooting.
If any of the above conditions are ignored significant injury could occur. We do reserve the right to request that you leave the course if you refuse to comply with any safety advice given, including that relating to clothing.
How much does it cost and how do I pay?
The course prices are per person for the whole course and are payable in advance. You can find the costs on our current costs and fees page.
We cannot guarantee your place on the course without payment in advance. The course fees are used to cover all equipment use and hire of the venue.
Course costs should be paid by bank transfer, and bank details will be provided when required.
Can I cancel my place and get a refund?
Costs for our beginner’s courses are non-refundable. We may consider refunds in exceptional circumstances and if rearranging attendance is not possible entirely at our own discretion.
Are there toilet facilities?
Toilets are available where courses are held indoors. However, for courses held outdoors, there are no toilets available.
We will provide some basic refreshments during the course but would advise that attendees come prepared with their own refreshments where possible.
Are you insured?
We are covered to teach beginners through our affiliation with Archery GB, the UK governing body for Archery. Should you wish to continue with archery following your beginner’s course, you will be required to join the club and Archery GB. Joining this way ensures that you are covered by insurance for club activities.
Is there a minimum age?
Our minimum age requirement is 10 years. It is also a requirement that all attendees under the age of 16 are accompanied by an adult during the entirety of the beginner’s course.
Do I need to be physically fit?
Although archery is a physical sport and requires a reasonable degree of mobility and strength, you don’t need to be especially physically fit. Archery can also be suitable for those with a disability. Contact us to discuss this if in doubt. You should also advise us of any medical conditions which may affect your ability to participate in the course or that we should be aware of.
Do I need to wear a face mask?
You may wear a face mask if you wish, but there is no requirement to do so. We do ask that if you are unwell when due to attend that you let us know and we can plan for attendance at a different time.
All beginner’s equipment is sanitised before use, and once the course is underway you will only use equipment provided to you personally.
Do I need to provide any equipment?
All equipment is supplied by the club. Your course fee includes the use of the club’s equipment, and there is no requirement to purchase any equipment before attending.
What type of equipment will I be using?
Our beginner’s course is taught using lightweight recurve training bows.
Are the tutors qualified?
Our beginner’s courses are run by Archery GB qualified coaches, assisted where necessary by experienced club members.
What happens when I have finished the course?
On completion of the course, you will be presented with a certificate. We will invite you to a club session where you can shoot with other members. You will then be offered the opportunity to join the club. For beginners, we offer the opportunity to loan the equipment – your bow, arrows and safety items – for a small, refundable deposit. This means you do not have to run out and purchase your own equipment while you get to grips with the sport and what items you may need.
What if I don’t want to join the club?
Joining a club is the only way that you can guarantee shooting in a safe environment. As a club, we offer advice and support on learning and improving, and of course, a social environment to practice in. We would always recommend that you join a club to continue your archery.
What about purchasing equipment?
When you are ready to purchase your first bow, arrows and related equipment, we can offer advice on the dos and don’ts. Our club members have years of experience using and purchasing archery equipment and are on hand to help with any advice and pointers. We would always recommend purchasing your initial equipment from a reputable, knowledgeable archery store in person.