QUIMPERLÉ, France – The Amicale des Archers de Quimperlé (Ataq), a leading archery club in Brittany, is celebrating a surge in membership and preparing to host a significant regional tournament this summer. The club, affectionately known as “Les Requins” (The Sharks), recently concluded its annual general assembly on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at Kerjouanneau in Quimperlé, buoyed by record numbers.
With a current roster of 82 licensed archers, Ataq has surpassed its previous membership high, which dated back to 2017. This growth is particularly notable given the challenges many archery clubs face in attracting and retaining members. “We had 23 new members this year, all beginners,” explained Ataq President Mikaël Gloaguen. “This represents a characteristic of our club. We generally see between 15 and 25 new archers each year. It’s a unique situation among archery clubs in the region, and we don’t fully understand why. What we can say is that we have highly good infrastructure and also thirteen qualified instructors, whereas other clubs often struggle to have even one or two.”
The club’s longevity is also a key factor in its success. Founded in 1974 by Albert Le Tyrant, Ataq has steadily grown and developed its facilities in close collaboration with the city of Quimperlé. Currently, 23 percent of the club’s members are young people, a demographic the club has actively focused on attracting in recent years. “We’ve seen a good trend in youth participation over the last three years,” Gloaguen added.
Championnat du Finistère Set for June 27th
Ataq’s reputation as a regional powerhouse is well-earned. Having previously organized national championships, the club has been entrusted with hosting the Championnat du Finistère de tir en extérieur (Finistère Outdoor Archery Championship) on June 27, 2026, at Kerbertrand. The event will be followed by a national outdoor competition the next day. Gloaguen anticipates welcoming approximately 100 archers to the two-day event.
Beyond competitive archery, Ataq is committed to community outreach. The club actively participates in events designed to introduce archery to a wider audience, including an inclusive sports animation event on April 25th in Mellac, offering opportunities for individuals with disabilities to try archery, and the Raid’ado, a youth-focused event scheduled for May 31st in Quimperlé.
Ataq’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility is a significant part of its appeal. The club’s proactive approach to engaging with the community, combined with its strong infrastructure and dedicated coaching staff, has created a thriving environment for archers of all ages and abilities. For those unfamiliar with the sport, archery requires a blend of physical skill, mental focus, and precision, making it a challenging yet rewarding activity.
The upcoming Championnat du Finistère represents a significant opportunity for Ataq to showcase its facilities and expertise. The event is expected to draw archers from across the region, providing a platform for competition and camaraderie. The club’s experience in organizing large-scale events will be crucial to ensuring a smooth and successful tournament.
Looking ahead, Ataq is focused on continuing its growth and development. The club plans to further invest in its infrastructure and coaching resources to meet the increasing demand for archery in the Quimperlé area. With a strong foundation and a dedicated team, Ataq is well-positioned to remain a leading force in the French archery community.
The next key date for Ataq is the Championnat du Finistère on June 27th, 2026, at Kerbertrand. Archery fans can stay updated on the club’s activities and results through their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ataq.ataq/.
