Liam was able to get back into a winter youth league this year. It is run by the Norfolk Archers in Norfolk at the Norfolk Rod and Gun Club. He has not shot in a league since 2020 after the Massena league folded during COVID. It is great to have him shooting again. He loves the atmosphere that the club and coaches create every week.
To give you a rundown of what the Norfolk Archers Youth league is all about. Kids ranging in ages from about 7-17 show up on their assigned nights (Monday, Thursday, or Friday) and shoot 8 rounds of NFAA indoor. They shoot at distances anywhere from 5-20 yards. There are at least 2 coaches at each night that assist the archers in improving their form and shot execution, working on the equipment and scoring each round. Typically, the kids will shoot 4 rounds, take a break for dinner, then shoot their last 4 rounds.
The club has a great setup for this league, as they have a 20-yard range, with 15-20 lanes. They have the bales on rollers so they can be moved up to 5 for the younger archers. The middle ages shoot at 10 and 15 yards and 20 for the older kids. On Thursday’s, the kids shoot in 2 lines allowing them to have adequate time to shoot their 5 arrows and rest before pulling and the next round. Most of the kids shoot at a full size 40cm target, while a few of the shooters are already shooting a 5 spot!
Almost all of the parents stick around and watch the kids shoot and enjoy dinner/snacks with the kids. It is a nice evening because during the youth nights, they run the kitchen making an assortment of food for the people there each night.
There is a similar setup for adults in the adult league, shooting on either Wednesday nights or Saturday mornings.
It is a great setup and Liam (along with all the other kids) really enjoy everything about the youth league! The kids have made a lot of friends and look forward to going back every week.