Archery GB has launched a ‘New Places for Target Faces’ initiative, encouraging leisure centres and other community venues to offer archery as an activity.

The scheme is being rolled out across the UK to encourage greater participation in archery. With an estimated 750,000 people experiencing archery every year, the initiative offers facility owners and operators the support they need to establish archery as an activity at their venues.

Sport England’s latest Active People Survey shows there are 54,000 adults who take part in archery once a month, a sharp dip on the 2012-13 figure of 75,000. However, Archery GB hopes greater accessibility to the sport can spark a resurgence similar to that seen in the US, where the bow and arrow skills of Katniss in the Hunger Games franchise has led to thousands of youngsters taking up the sport.

David Reader, head of development at Archery GB, said: “Leisure centres and other community venues are seen as important drivers in the future growth of archery and we’re delighted to help them establish the sport as an activity in venues across the UK, helping them to stand out in a competitive leisure industry.”

Existing archery clubs are central to the provision of archery, however, Archery GB wants to open the door for other venues to offer the sport. The body points out that archery is an inclusive sport as all ages and genders can take part together, while it can be delivered indoor or outdoor, on all types of surfaces.

Venues interested to find out more can contact Archery GB on 01952 602795, or email [email protected]