Celebrating Success: Barnsley YMCA Archers’ Remarkable Achievements in 2023
As we embark on a new year, it’s essential to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we shared as a community in 2023. Barnsley YMCA Archers proudly looks back at a year filled with achievements, growth, and memorable moments that define the spirit of our club.
The club started the year with low membership numbers, a question over whether the club remained affiliated to our governing body ArcheryGB, our outdoor shooting range changes and how the club could grow over the next year. In April the club all came together to discuss these and many other points. We voted to remain affiliated and to also restructured a dedicated committee. Allen, Steve J, Steve P, Kath & Hannah were the elected committee members, later joined by Neil who were all to push the club forward, improve it’s strengths and broaden our horizons. We can now celebrate the successes of what the club achieved throughout the rest of the year.
Successes of the Beginner’s Courses
A notable achievement in 2023 was the resounding success of our beginner’s courses. These courses, designed for individuals taking their first steps into the world of archery, saw tremendous participation and accomplishment. Participants not only learned the fundamentals of archery but also discovered a passion for the sport, creating a foundation for future growth within our community.
The club ran 2 beginner’s courses last year with a 100% completion for all who attended the 4 weeks and an average of 75% take up of the sport in joining archery clubs.
Member Achievements and Personal Triumphs
Our club is more than just a collection of archers; it’s a supportive family that celebrates each member’s individual successes. In 2023, we witnessed remarkable personal triumphs, from beginners hitting their first gold, to seasoned archers achieving new personal bests. These moments not only define our club’s success but also underscore the importance of setting and surpassing personal goals.
Community Engagement and Outreach
We deepened our roots within the community. We actively engaged in outreach programs with the YMCA youth group, hosting archery workshops for young people and the volunteers that run these groups. The positive impact of these initiatives extended far beyond the gold, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie.
Unforgettable Events and Social Gatherings
The spirit of Barnsley YMCA Archers extends beyond the archery range. Throughout the year, we organized and participated in unforgettable events and social gatherings. Our Halloween fun shoot was full of fright and delight! Then our Christmas fun shoot was a competition of the best (or worst!) Christmas jumpers….as well as scores on the targets. Alongside this, we also had an equipment afternoon with a local county coach, Ian Foster, where members learnt about caring and maintaining their equipment.
As we step into the new year with renewed enthusiasm, let’s carry the lessons and memories of 2023 with us. The achievements of Barnsley YMCA Archers are not just about arrows hitting targets; they represent the collective dedication, passion, and sportsmanship that define our archery community. Here’s to another year of growth, success, and the shared joy of archery!
