The UK’s largest shooting organisation introduced more than 16,000 people to shooting sports last year.
More than 5,000 people tried shooting sports for the first time using BASC’s state-of-the-art ST-2 shooting simulator.
BASC took the simulator to 46 events in 2018 including game fairs, county shows, courses, schools and charity shoots. It is also available for private hire and corporate events such as weddings, conferences and AGMs.
The ST-2 simulator – the most realistic on the market – helps to provide a professional introduction to shotgun shooting.
Twenty BASC-accredited coaches travelled to Norfolk for the event and gave clay shooting lessons to the youngsters over the course of six days.
Coaches gave 2,500 clay shooting lessons at events around the UK over the course of the year and 3,500 airgun lessons. Almost 1,000 people attended official BASC courses.
In addition, regional teams introduced more than 1,000 people at various events.
Dr Peter Marshall, BASC’s head of training and education, said: “2018 was a great year for the training and education team, with members introducing and training more than 15,000 people through various programmes and courses. For many this was the first time they had tried shooting sports. Hopefully it will be the first step on a long and enjoyable shooting journey.
“All of this work has been done in an enjoyable, educational and professional manner by our coaches and trainers.
“A big thank you goes out to the volunteers, trainers and coaches who made this happen. We look forward to introducing many more people this year.”
BASC chairman Peter Glenser QC said: “Shooting sports are an excellent leveler. They break down barriers and bring people together. Shooting sports are something anyone can take part in and we are heartened to see so many new people trying it for themselves.”