Beginners
The club is open to students and staff of the University of Cambridge, and we run a beginners' course throughout each Michaelmas term to train those new to archery how to shoot safely and effectively. Once the course is complete, newly-trained archers are then welcome to shoot with us as a normal member of the club and can borrow club equipment if necessary.
Please Note:
We regret that we cannot accept beginners at any time other than the start of Michaelmas term. This is because running a beginners' course is a significant time investment for committee members, especially in the context of a Cambridge term, and Lent is busy with competitions and Easter with exams.
Have-a-go (taster) Session
Each year at the beginning of Michaelmas term, we run a have-a-go session for all those who are interested in the beginners course but want to try out archery before signing up.
Our 2024 taster session has now passed, and we will not be running another during our indoor season.
Beginners' Courses
The beginners' course will take place over four Sunday mornings in Michaelmas term, starting on the 20th of October, and contains all the coaching necessary to allow you to shoot safely and independently, as well as introducing you to the wider sport of archery. All of the required equipment will be provided by the club.
All four sessions of the course are mandatory.
Please note that the course is over-subscribed, and we cannot guarantee a place for everybody. The club runs a ballot to allocate spaces.
Sign ups for this year's course have now closed.
The 2024 beginners' course costs £10 to attend, on top of the club's annual membership fees, which are as follows:
- Cambridge University students - £90
- Other students and staff - £120
Those who successfully complete the beginners' course, and as a result are then able to shoot independently to a safe standard, will be provided with a certificate. They will then become a full member of the club for the rest of the year, and are welcome to shoot at any of the regular club sessions for no extra fee. Your development as a beginner will not stop here, as there are many further opportunities for coaching and mentoring throughout the year.
Novice Squad
Novice archers are beginners who compete for the club. In 2024, the novice squad will be selected from the cohort of new beginners.
Novice squad members receive additional coaching beyond the end of the beginners course and are loaned their own bow. They are expected to attend regular coaching and practice sessions, as well as a number of competitions throughout the year (including Varsity in Easter term).
Additional information can be found here.
If you are interested in this, please speak to the committee at the taster session, or email the acting Novice Officer. Selection will be made by consideration of your willingness to learn, your ability to attend competitions, and your enthusiasm. We do not expect you to be a pro right away!