I’m absolutely thrilled to share some wonderful news: Zanshin Archery has been awarded a grant from the Access Archery Fund, run by Archery GB in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Fletchers.
Today I received the email that made my week — confirmation that our application had been successful. It’s the kind of message you read three times just to make sure you’re not imagining it.
Why This Matters
The Access Archery Fund exists to help clubs like ours open the sport up to people who might otherwise never get the chance to pick up a bow — young people facing barriers to participation, those with additional needs, and communities that traditional club structures don’t always reach.
That mission sits right at the heart of why I coach. Archery has a unique power to build focus, confidence, and calm — and I’ve seen firsthand how transformative it can be for young people who don’t always find their footing in more conventional sports. This funding means we can extend that opportunity further than we’ve been able to before.
What’s Next
With the grant confirmed, the real work begins: getting the match funding in place, working through the paperwork, and then turning this into actual sessions, equipment, and opportunities for the young people we serve. I can’t wait to get started.
A huge thank you to Kris, Gayle, and the whole team at Archery GB and the Access Archery Fund for believing in what we’re building at Zanshin. This is a brilliant vote of confidence in inclusive, accessible archery provision — and I intend to make the most of it.
More updates to follow as the programme takes shape. For now — I’m just going to enjoy this moment.
— Lee