Sévérac-d’Aveyron, France – The future of archery clubs in the Aveyron department is taking shape, thanks to a recent training initiative spearheaded by the Departmental Committee of Archery. Five instructors from clubs in Rodez, Millau, and Saint-Affrique completed a rigorous federal coach training program at the gymnasium in Sévérac, concluding on March 22nd, 2026. This development signals a commitment to strengthening the sport at the grassroots level and ensuring a pipeline of qualified coaches for years to come.
The four-weekend training course, led by David Ancel, a formateur (trainer) from the regional technical team, focused on equipping participants with the tools and methodologies necessary to implement effective pedagogical progression. The goal, as emphasized by Bernard Barascud, is to elevate the standard of archery instruction: “Teaching archery and helping archers perform in competition is a skill that must be learned.” This investment in coach development will allow these volunteers to effectively mentor a diverse range of participants within their respective clubs.
The newly trained coaches will now prepare for an exam in April, where they will be evaluated by a jury. They are already putting their fresh skills into practice, briefing members of their clubs in preparation for simulated coaching scenarios. This hands-on approach underscores the practical focus of the training program.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. Six archers in Sévérac also recently completed the first level of the “Encadrant Fédéral” (Federal Coach) training program. This dual success – both new federal coaches and first-level encadrants – is a positive sign for the future of the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron club and the broader archery community in the region.
Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron: A Club with Deep Roots
The Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron, which hosted the federal coach training, has a long history of promoting archery in the Aveyron department. Founded in the 1990s, the club initially focused on introducing the sport to children. It quickly affiliated with the French Archery Federation (FFTA) to expand access to archery for adults, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and the wider community. Learn more about the club here.
Beyond regular club activities, the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron actively engages in outreach programs. These include archery workshops during school holidays at historical sites throughout Aveyron, and “Olympic Form” challenges for residents of local retirement homes. The club also organizes the “Michel THUAUT Challenge,” a competition for young archers under 18 from Aveyron and Lozère departments.
Currently boasting 40 members, two-thirds of whom are children, the club fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment built on principles of cordiality, mutual support, and civic responsibility. The club’s address is Mairie, 9 rue Serge Duhourquet, 12150 Sévérac d’Aveyron, and can be reached by phone at 0671009754 or via email at bernard.madou@wanadoo.fr. You can also locate them on Facebook.
Championnat Départemental Qualificatif on the Horizon
Looking ahead, the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron will host the Championnat Départemental Qualificatif Pour Le Championnat De France En Tir à l’arc (Departmental Championship Qualifying for the French Championship in Archery). The competition will take place at the Salle des sports or gymnase in Sévérac le Château, 12150 Sévérac le Château, France. For more information, contact the club at 0671009754 or bernard.madou@wanadoo.fr. Details about the championship can be found on the FFTA website.
The recent training initiatives, coupled with the upcoming championship, demonstrate a clear commitment to the growth and development of archery in the Aveyron department. With a dedicated group of coaches and enthusiastic archers, the future of the sport appears bright in this corner of France. The success of these programs highlights the importance of investing in grassroots development and fostering a supportive community for archers of all ages and abilities.
The next step for the newly certified coaches is the April exam, and for the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron, it’s preparing to host a key qualifying event. The dedication of volunteers like Bernard Barascud and David Ancel is instrumental in ensuring the continued success of archery in the region.
