In the latest edition of UCD Clubs In Focus, Sports Editor Adam Schmitz spoke to the captain of UCD’s Archery Club. Craig Moore tells us what life is like in the club and why if you’ve been searching for your new sport - archery might just hit the target.
What is the basic function of your club?
“At UCD Archery, we encourage members to try something new and enjoy a new sport! Our club is filled with dedicated archers ready to assist anyone interested in archery, from beginners to the best of the best. We encourage and support everyone who steps foot in the hall. Throughout the year, our Archery Team travels to different clubs and counties to compete in both Intervarsity and National competitions. As a club, we also encourage mingling among our members and organise various events during and after training to allow members to socialise, sometimes even with other clubs!”
What does the average week in your club look like?
“On Tuesdays and Friday evenings, we have our regular beginner’s training. Each semester, we run our beginner’s course, which is taught by advanced members of our team. On Thursdays we hold our dedicated intermediate training to support and further their training to become competition ready should they wish to compete. On Wednesdays, we have our Team training, where advanced members meet with our qualified coach to prepare for upcoming competitions.”
What were the highlights of the last year for your club?
“Last year, we proudly took home a variety of gold, silver, and bronze medals from the intervarsity and national competitions, such as the National Student Indoor Championship (NSIC) and the National Irish Indoor Championship.”
How has this year started for your club?
“This year has had a great start, with a huge influx of beginners and a good amount that have progressed to intermediate, not to mention our first Colour Match held between us and Dublin University (Trinity) that went off without a hitch thanks to the amazing contributions of our, and DU’s, hardworking committee. And now, with our ability to train outdoors with the space granted to us by UCD, we are all eager to train for the Outdoor leagues that begin during the summer. We had great fun and some challenges in the last outdoor league, and we cannot wait to return to them when the college year ends. We are always on the move, all year round, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!”
How would you sum up UCD Archery club?
“A great place to get away from the stresses of exams and studying by shooting arrows, talking with new and old friends and learning an impressive skill!”
A huge thank you to Craig for taking part in the interview. Be sure to follow UCD Archery Club on Instagram - @ucdarchery.