More than 150 students and teachers from Darland High School in Rossett, north Wales, tried their hand at clay shooting with coaches from the UK’s largest shooting organisation, BASC.
BASC hosted the introductory event at the Commonwood Shooting Ground near Wrexham to introduce the Year 10 students to sporting shooting.
BASC introduced 140 pupils and teachers from the school to shooting at two events last year.
Peter Marshall, BASC’s best practice development officer, said: “It was great to see the students hitting a clay for the first time. The headteacher was so pleased with what we delivered that he presented BASC with a picture of the Year 10 pupils and a great thankyou letter.
“It was fantastic to be able to continue to build our relationship with the local high school and to introduce another group of young people to the enjoyment that shooting brings. We are continuing to strengthen this relationship so that new pupils can benefit from the opportunity year-on-year.”
Duncan Greaves, a member of BASC council, a BASC-accredited shotgun coach and principal at the Commonwood Shooting Ground near Wrexham, said: “It would be great if more schools got involved in shooting sports. It is a very good sport to get involved in; it instills a sense of discipline and responsibility, we have multiple world champions in the sport and there is always someone there to give you some friendly advice.”
Peter Agnew, the school’s headteacher, said: “Our children all enjoyed the day immensely. Several discovered that they were crack shots and are investigating taking the sport further. They were buzzing on the return journey.
“One of our jobs at school is to introduce the children to a wide range of sporting and leisure activities and we are very grateful to BASC for allowing us to broaden their horizons in this way. The BASC staff and coaches were so patient, knowledgeable and kind – they really made the day a success.”
Peter Marshall added: “We are grateful to Eley and Promatic for supplying the guns and cartridges and to Promatic for providing the clay traps. Our thanks also go to Commonwood Fishery.”
ENDS