22 Apr 2026
Empowering the Next Generation: Scottish Archery’s Women & Girls Coaching Academy
Scottish Archery has taken a significant step towards improving gender balance and leadership representation within the sport through the launch of its Women & Girls Coaching Academy (WGCA). Introduced in August 2025, the Academy provides a dedicated, supportive programme designed to encourage more women and girls to take up coaching roles and become visible role models within archery across Scotland.
Addressing an Underrepresentation in Coaching
Despite strong participation from women and girls as archers, coaching roles within archery – and sport more broadly – remain male dominated. At the time of the Academy’s launch, only 32% of Archery GB licensed coaches in Scotland were female, compared with a national average of 51% female participation in sport. This gap highlights systemic barriers that can discourage women and girls from progressing into leadership and coaching positions.
The WGCA was established in direct response to this imbalance, aiming not only to increase the number of qualified female coaches, but also to create a strong community where participants feel valued, supported and empowered.
A Dedicated Space for Learning and Connection
Central to the Academy is the creation of a female‑only learning environment, where women and girls can share experiences, reflect on challenges, and learn collaboratively. Participants range from those considering coaching for the first time to those already partway through their Archery GB Session Coach Level 1 qualification. The group on Sunday 20th April completed their final assessment module and all nine participants passed and are now qualified.Â
Coach Developer Duncan McEwan shared his reflections and overall enjoyment of the day:
‘‘Sunday was a long but fulfilling day. We had 9 prospective Session Coaches doing their final Observation day at the excellent facilities at Sight Scotland’s Linburn centre
The nine candidates came through the Scottish Archery Woman and Girls Academy stream and were a little nervous about the day as expected - but super focussed.
Having everyone so on board with the process helped to make the day a success and after some good sessions and great discussions, Scotland have 9 more Session Coaches who can help their clubs bring new archers into our sport.
To top it all off - all 9 candidates expressed a desire to undertake the next level (Development Coach) as a group, because of the great team spirit within the group.
Thanks to Steven Oliver from Sight Scotland for opening the centre early for us and closing up afterwards - all on his day off !’’
The programme is open to individuals aged 15 and over, the minimum age for entry onto the Archery GB Level 1 coaching pathway. Alongside formal technical training, the Academy places strong emphasis on confidence building, communication skills, and long‑term personal development.
Mentorship and Structured Support
A key strength of the WGCA is its mentoring structure. Each cohort is supported by experienced female mentors who provide guidance through one‑to‑one conversations, group calls, and in‑person meet‑ups. The first cohort included 11 participants supported by five mentors, fostering meaningful connections across clubs and regions.
Mentors themselves also receive development opportunities, including attendance at sportscotland mentoring workshops, ensuring high‑quality, reflective support for participants throughout the programme.
Reducing Barriers to Coaching
To tackle common financial and access barriers, the Academy offers a Coach Education Subsidy, covering at least 50% of course costs for participants undertaking Archery GB qualifications. This practical support plays a crucial role in widening access and ensuring that coaching opportunities are not limited by personal circumstances.
The programme also works in partnership with organisations such as sportscotland and initiatives like Fit for Girls, broadening participants’ understanding of inclusive coaching practices and the wider sporting landscape.
Early Impact and Participant Voice
Feedback from participants highlights the value of the Academy as a safe, encouraging space within a traditionally male‑dominated environment. Many have spoken about the importance of feeling connected to other women and girls who share similar ambitions and experiences in the sport.
The Academy has already seen participants successfully completed online and in‑person modules of the Archery GB Session Coach Level 1 course, with practical sessions delivered at venues such as the Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre. These moments mark key milestones in transforming aspiration into qualification and action.
Inspiring the Future of Scottish Archery
By investing in women and girls as coaches, Scottish Archery is not only developing skilled practitioners but also shaping the future culture of the sport. Increased visibility of female coaches creates powerful role models for young archers and helps ensure clubs across Scotland are more inclusive, sustainable and representative of their communities.
The Women & Girls Coaching Academy stands as a clear demonstration of Scottish Archery’s commitment to equality, diversity and belonging, and its belief that coaching pathways should be accessible to everyone. With further workshops and cohorts planned beyond 2026, the Academy is set to play a lasting role in strengthening leadership across Scottish archery.
Scottish Archery’s Women & Girls Coaching Academy is supporting females aged 15+ to step into coaching, build confidence, and become role models in our sport.
Through mentoring, subsidised coach education, and a strong community, WGCA is helping break down barriers and increase female representation in coaching across Scotland.
Interested in becoming a coach or supporting others on their journey? Find out more at www.scottisharchery.org.uk/coaching
