New state-of-the-art archery facility in Wythall

The facility has been backed by Sport England in the form of an 'Inspired Facility’ grant to Wythall Community Association as part of the 2012 Olympics legacy programme. It has been designed to provide all weather, year-round, training facilities for local and regional archers of all levels from beginner to international and is one of only three such facilities in the region.

Archery is a growing sport with an increasing profile in the UK with its top archers competing strongly on the world stage. The sport has attracted young members thanks to the popularity of films such as The Hunger Games, The Avengers and Disney’s Brave and is a sport that includes people with a wide range of physical abilities and from diverse backgrounds.

The chairman of Archery GB, David Harrison, who also attended the event, said: "It is only with facilities like this, available for coaching and individual development, that British sport and archery can compete on the world stage.

"Furthermore, in addition to developing the current elite, this type of facility is key to being able to attract and nurture juniors and grass-roots archers who we will rely on to be the Olympians and world class athletes of the future."

At the opening, aspiring young archers will watch one of the country’s top international and Paralympian stars, Mel Clarke, demonstrate how its done, and answer questions

The total value of the building is approximately £200,000. In addition to the Sports England Inspired Facilities Grant and further funding received from the ‘Welcome to Our Future’ fund administered on behalf of Severn Waste Environmental, local businesses, organisations and individuals, the build has been made possible by the investment of over 2,000 hours of labour time provided by members and friends of the club, demonstrating the strong commitment of the archery community.