2024 Scottish Women & Girls Week Message

As Scottish Women & Girls in Sport Week 2024 comes to close we are resharing some inspirational messages from female archers, reminding us that everyone has the chance to be a leader by encouraging and inspiring others to more active.

Check out some of the messages below:

Moira Taylor

''From the moment I picked up my first bow some 50 years ago I was hooked on Archery. I had found a sport that was fun, challenging and made me want to improve.

Our club had only started doing archery the year before I joined so we were all learning as we went along. Now some 50 years later I have a lot more knowledge and experience and I'm still learning.

Archery has offered me such opportunities that I will always be grateful for - I have made great friends and competed around the world for my country. I love that it is so inclusive and can give opportunities to others irrespective of their age, abilities or limitations.

Archery can be competitive or simply a social pastime - either way it helps you grow. I now give back to my sport through getting involved as a Coach and  volunteer - this is very important to me to support the sport that I love.

What does Archery mean to me? - Everything!''

Robyn Geddes

''I have been doing this sport for 12 years this year, and am continually inspired by the women that compete in this sport. This sport allows everyone to participate, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t still hurdles for women to jump over at times (trust me, I've faced a few).

My tip to the women reading this is to never stop fighting and don’t let anyone tell you what you’re worth, because you are capable of doing anything as long as you keep the spark alive! Another tip is to speak to the wonderful women on the line around you, they are the people who will get you through every tough day of shooting, cheer you on when you succeed and push you to do your very best.

This women in sport month I want to put a particular shoutout to my Mum, an absolute powerhouse in this sport who’s supported me through many ups, downs and everything in between. It was one of the greatest moments of my career watching her win her medal in Nimes, and I’m so proud of everything she’s done (and I definitely don’t tell her enough!)

I wish all the wonderful women out there an indoor season full of good shooting, PB’s and hopefully great memories!''

Sandie Graham

''Why I love archery.  I have been involved in archery for over 4 decades and wow what an experience it has been.  I met my husband, Andrew Graham through archery - who would have thought a muddy field in Coatbridge was such a romantic place.  I started competing as a recurve archer in the early 1980s, and I absolutely love the atmosphere. It is really exciting turning up to a competition and testing out what I have been working on. 

As an unpaid carer for disabled relatives archery has provided respite.  It gives me a chance to get away from the house and have some ‘me time’.  When I’m shooting it’s just me and the process of shooting, there is no room for stress or anxiety because I’m so focused. 

Caring can cause social isolation, when I became a carer it was very difficult meet up with others and many friendships were lost.  Archery allowed me to have a sense of belonging.  I can meet up with my fellow archers and have a good natter.  I have learned so much just by chatting and many friendships have been formed. 

This is one of the reasons I love coaching.  It allows me to connect with others.  The coach-athlete relationship is very special, working together to develop skills.  I love learning new things and there is always something new to learn in coaching.  Coaching is always evolving, how we coached 10 years ago is very different to how we coach today.  Today we have a holistic approach to coaching rather than just working on the technical aspects of archery.  Being a female coach gives me an insight into female issues such as being a mother, caring responsibilities, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause. 

I am looking forward to continuing my archery journey, challenging myself to step out my comfort zone and meeting others along the way.''

Victoria Otterson

''I started archery at the age of 12 and have since met lots of people throughout the sport including some very inspirational women. I love shooting and competing and have met people from all over the UK that I would never have met if I hadn't picked up my first bow!

It is not just a very social sport but is also an incredibly inclusive sport where anyone from any background can have a go! So I would encourage anyone to have a shot at the sport and even try a competition or two.

Getting to work with and see so many amazing young archers progress through the sport is also fantastic. I hope everyone has a great outdoor season and that we get some nice sunny weather for it too!''