Volunteers Week - Thank you Ian

As part of Volunteers' Week 2026, we would like to take the opportunity to thank some of our remarkable volunteers who are dedicated, committed and passionate in making archery an engaging and inclusive sport for all. Today we would like to say thank you to Ian Heywood of Perth Archery Club.

As one of the designated Perth Archery Club coaches, Ian has a number of members who he oversees and works with on a regular basis. He is highly respected within the club for his expertise and enthusiasm and is a joy to watch with the juniors. In addition to being an archery coach, Ian is a Scout Leader in Perth and regularly promotes the sport of Archery both locally and nationally within the Scouting association.

Parent of junior member Frazer Brown shares her praise and appreiaton towards Ian in how he has supported their son:

‘‘I first met Ian in June 2024 at an introduction to Archery Session which was being held by Perth Archery Club and have since got to know him well through his role as a club coach. In September 2024 my son, Frazer Brown, formally joined Perth Archery Club and Ian become his designated coach.

Since then, Ian has worked closely with Frazer and has helped to nurture his skills and has encouraged him throughout his archery journey. In October 2025 Frazer received the Elite Archery award from Archery GB for Under 15 years of age Barebow outdoor to go along with the Master Bowman Award which he achieved earlier in the year for indoor Barebow.

Frazer’s success has without doubt been a result of the time, effort and patience which Ian has given. He has regularly worked with Frazer on club nights but has also given up his own time to provide individual support and to assist with the setting up of new equipment. He has not only been willing to share his skills and time but has also loaned Frazer various sets of arrows to use during the competition season.’’

During the summer of 2025 Ian required to have Achilles surgery which has meant he has not been able to shoot since. Despite his limited mobility he has continued to attend the club to fulfil his coaching role and even just a few weeks after his surgery lead the 2026 Beginners course on behalf of the club.

Members find Ian to be approachable, welcoming, fun and honest with his opinions. As one of the original members of the Perth Archery Club, he has experience which is highly valued by all within the club. His passion for making a difference and his exemplary leadership qualities are truly commendable.

Despite his foot ending up in a brace for the whole of summer following an operation, he

still came to club shooting sessions when he could, because he needed someone to drive him. He thus made himself available for coaching chats despite not being able to shoot himself. He also came to competitions to provide volunteer support.

Out with Perth Archery Club Ian, is an active leader of a Scouting Group in Perth and uses archery as part of their offering, thus spreading the word of what a fabulous sport archery is to a wider grassroots audience.

Ian is working towards becoming the Archery GB Level 3 Programme Coach. As part of the programme he has committed a lot of time helping members of the club improve their form and in the process fine-tuning and embedding his newfound skills, which include the use of modern technology. Despite his main interest being freestyle (Olympic) recurve, he is helpful to archers with other bow styles too.

It is understood his main interest lies in supporting grassroots archers and his approach shows a commitment to the archery community as a whole and not just exclusively to performance.

Back in March, he was awarded Coach of the Year at our 2026 Scottish Archery Annual Awards Ceremony, recognising his continued dedication and commitment to the sport.