Joining a Club

So you're thinking about taking up archery?

Good choice. It starts with "I'll give this a try" and can quickly develop into an unhealthy interest in arrows, string materials, weather forecasts and whether that last shot was definitely the bow's fault.

The easiest way to get started is by joining a club. At Glasgow Archers we provide somewhere to shoot, targets, beginner equipment, coaching, advice and support from people who have already made all of the mistakes you're about to make.

And yes, there's banter.

The Short Version

• Never shot before? You'll need to complete a beginners' course.
• Already an experienced archer? Just get in touch.
• Need your own bow? No.
• Can I use club equipment? Yes.
• Can I visit from another club? Yes.
• Is there banter? Excessive amounts.

If you're interested in joining Glasgow Archers, just drop us a line using the contact us form. and we'll talk you through the current process.

Joining

If You're New To Archery

At Glasgow Archers, if you're new to archery, you'll need to complete a beginners' course before joining the club. These courses teach:

• Basic shooting technique
• Range etiquette
• Equipment handling
• Most importantly, safety

Glasgow Archers usually runs beginners' courses several times each year. Places tend to fill quickly, so if you're interested, get in touch and we'll add you to the waiting list or point you towards the next available course. Once you've completed the course, you're eligible to join the club.

If You're Already An Archer

If you're currently a member of another Archery GB club, transferring is usually straightforward. If you're currently unaffiliated but already have archery experience, get in touch and we'll help you work out what you need to do. Resistance is futile. One of us. One of us.

Visiting From Another Club

We're always happy to welcome experienced archers from other clubs. For first-time visitors we'll normally:

• Check your Archery GB membership
• Carry out a quick competency check
• Explain local procedures and venue rules

After that you're good to go.

Membership Types

Full Member

Full membership is for archers who want Glasgow Archers to be their primary club. As a Full Member you'll get:

• Year-round shooting during club sessions
• Use of club beginner equipment and training bows
• Coaching and mentoring support
• Voting rights at club AGMs
• Eligibility to hold club office (subject to our constitution)
• The right to represent Glasgow Archers at competitions

You'll also get the opportunity to wear the famous red top and black trousers while convincing other clubs you're completely normal. Membership is annual, with fees adjusted depending on when you join.

Associate Member

Associate Membership is for archers whose main membership is with another club but who regularly shoot with Glasgow Archers. Associate Members may:

• Attend normal club sessions
• Shoot alongside Full Members
• Participate in club activities

Associate Members don't vote on club business and don't have guaranteed access to club equipment. They're still very welcome. We just reserve the right to remind them they're technically the enemy whenever competitions are mentioned.

Day Guest

Visiting Glasgow and want to shoot? Travelling with your bow? Suddenly feel the need to attack some ten rings? Experienced archers are welcome to shoot as guests. Just contact us beforehand and we'll do our best to arrange a visit.

Please note: Associate Members and Day Guests must produce a valid Archery GB membership card (physical or electronic) before shooting. This is required for insurance purposes as per AGB rules.

Fees

Membership costs are split into two parts.

Club Fees

Club fees cover:

• Range access
• Target equipment
• Beginners equipment
• Coaching and support
• Indoor and outdoor shooting

Unlike some sports, there are no separate shooting fees each time you attend. One membership fee covers the year. The banter is included at no additional charge.

Affiliation Fees

Archers must also be affiliated with the governing bodies of the sport. For Scottish archers this normally includes:

• Archery GB (AGB)
• Scottish Archery Association (SAA)
• West of Scotland Archery Association (WoSAA) ... Glasgow Archers are a West of Scotland club

These fees provide insurance and allow participation within the recognised archery structure.

New members joining Glasgow Archers will normally pay both club and affiliation fees, adjusted according to their joining date. Because fees vary depending on age, student status, family memberships and several other factors, we prefer to provide an individual quote rather than publish a giant spreadsheet that nobody enjoys reading.

Interested?

If you'd like to join, visit as a guest, or simply ask a few questions, get in touch through our contact form. We'll happily explain the options, answer any questions and help you find the membership type that's right for you.

Questions about archery, membership, equipment, coaching or indeed sausages.

Not necessarily in that order.

There are no silly questions in archery. There are only questions, answers, and the occasional arrow that appears to have made its own decisions.

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Handshake image by SCY from Pixabay