Round Up: 2025 School Soft Archery Championship

On 22nd May, the 2025 School Soft Archery Championships returned with 52 pupils across 17 teams to compete in what was a excellent day of competition at Lornshill Academy in Alloa.  Within this, there were 10 schools – 8 from Clackmannanshire (Redwell, Alva, Coalsnaughton, Menstrie, Strathdevon, Tillicoultry, St Serf’s and Craigbank); Bridge of Allan from Stirling and further east Gracemount in Edinburgh.

With the increase in entries from last year, this meant some tweaks to the format.  The P4/5 teams competed initially in two pools of 5, the progressing on to semi-finals/playoffs and subsequently on to Final and Bronze medal match.  With the P6/7 having 7 teams, they competed in 1 pool.  Within P4/5 Pool A, it was an impressive performance from Bridge of Allan B who scored 706 points with the Bridge of Allan A taking second with 559 points.

In Pool B, it was even tighter margins with Gracemount C advancing to semi finals after topping pool with 501 points, narrowly having the edge over Menstrie in 2nd with 498 points.  It was very close between all teams with 80 points separating 1st to 4th places.  Within the P6/7 pool, again lots of close encounters with Gracemount taking Gold (1136 points), Silver for St Serf’s (1013 points) and Bronze for Coalsnaughton (911 points). 

In the semi-finals, Bridge of Allan B progressed into the final winning 190-143 against Menstrie.  In the other semi final it was a tie of 108-108 between Bridge of Allan A and Gracemount C, which meant a 1 arrow shoot-off was required.  However, the Gracemount C pupils held their nerve and manage pip Bridge of Allan A, 25-15 to move into the Gold Medal match.

This set up a thrilling final for Gold/Silver with Bridge of Allan B winning 133-131 against Gracemount C, with Menstrie victorious in 3rd/4th playoff to take the Bronze medal.  This demonstrates the effort, determination and excellent level of shooting that was on display across the course of the day from all the pupils. 

Staff member Kevin Thomas from Bridge of Allan Primary School shared his thoughts on the day:

‘‘The kids are absolutely buzzing and it was pleasing to receive instant feedback from pupils on their success.  All in all, a really positive experience. Of course, returning with a big shiny trophy and getting to meet Nathan was wonderful, but the sheer excitement the whole group had on the bus coming home, and the togetherness and team-spirit our three teams felt was inspiring.  They are already asking about next year’s event!’’

One pupil from the school added, when asked what their favourite part of the day was: ‘‘Getting 6 golds!’’

Pupils were also treated to a visit from Paris 2024 Paralympian Gold Medallist from Livingston, Nathan MacQueen who had brought along his medal to show everyone – you can imagine the excitement and amazement of getting to hold a real Paralympic medal!  The children and staff also got to chat to Nathan and ask him any questions.

Nathan shared his overall thoughts on the event:

‘‘Great thing to have, to bring young people into the sport.  Making the sport more accessible opening up to new audience, which hopefully inspire more youngsters to take up archery.''

Wee County Archers, Alison Mackie, Chairperson added:

‘‘Fantastic to see so many schools taking part in the national championships.  Its been a brilliant standard this year and excited to see how the competition continues to grow in future.’’

We would like to take this opportunity to say well done to all the pupils who competed.  You did you school proud with your effort, determination and excellent behaviour throughout the day.

Of course we need to thank all volunteers who helped make the event happen and such a success.  This includes field captains Raymond and Abigail from Wee County Archers who ensured that the event flowed and was conducted in a safe manner. 

Also to Alison from the club too who was on hand to help with tournament organising and experience in events.  The team of Sports Leaders from Lornshill Academy did a fantastic job in recording scores and supporting the pupils to have a safe and enjoyable day. 

We also thank to the Active Schools team, in particular in Clackmannanshire with Kirsty Wilson helping coordinate the training, organise and support before and during the event.  We grateful to Lornshill Academy PE department for letting us use their facility.  Finally a thanks to pupils, staff, parents/carers and to Paralympian Nathan MacQueen for attending on the day.