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After Shooting Stars Archery Club (formerly Allscott Heath Archers) were given notice to leave their existing premises they approached the council for support and were offered a new venue at the Athletics Track at Oakengates Leisure Centre.

Thanks to the new permanent base the club, who host three sessions per week, are now encouraging more people to take part in the sport. The club offer taster sessions and are also part of the council’s Kids4£1 summer programme allowing children the perfect opportunity to try archery during the six weeks holidays for just £1.

Councillor Kelly Middleton (Lab) Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-being, Equalities and Partnerships said: “When we were approached by Shooting Stars Archery Club  earlier this year we knew how important it was that we found them a venue which would allow them the opportunity to grow their current sporting provision in Telford and Wrekin. As a council we are on the side of our residents, it is our priority to ensure that all children, young people and adults in the community have the opportunity to take part in a variety of different healthy sporting activity across our borough. If you are looking to take up a new sport, I’d encourage everyone to get in touch and just give it a try!” 

Kreseda Smith, Club Chair commented: “It is great to be at the centre and finally have a permanent home for the club.

“This security has now allowed us to sign up to Archery GB’s ‘ontarget’ scheme and start to build back and develop our membership base. Our club is very community-oriented, and welcomes people of any age, ability, or background to join this sport. We believe that everyone should have access to the sport; two of our members shoot from wheelchairs. 

Steve Bliss, Club Secretary added: “We also run regular skill-development challenges for which members receive coveted badges, hold fun shoots, and we also host county competitions. Our existing members will always be on hand with tips and encouragement to help new members to develop their own skills and confidence within archery.” 

The new venue at Oakengates Leisure Centre also offers the club onsite storage for their sports equipment, free parking, disabled access, and floodlighting to enable the club to run all year around. 

Visit www.shootingstarsarchery.co.uk for more information. 

Pictured in the photo are: 

Steve Phipps – Training Officer     

Matthew Newens - Group Operations Manager Leisure and Southwater Telford & Wrekin Council 

Steve Bliss -Club Secretary 

Cllr Kelly Middleton (Labour) Cabinet Member for Leisure, Public Health and Well-being, Equalities and Partnerships Telford & Wrekin Council 

Brian Eades – Membership/Records – Officer