Young archers in Manduel, France, took to the range for a pre-competition event.
The Arc Club de Manduel hosted a special “tremplin” event for under-11 and under-13 archers, a gathering designed to introduce young, new athletes to competition in a low-pressure setting. The event, which took place recently in the Gard department, was the first of its kind both locally and nationally, drawing about 30 young archers, mostly from the host club but also from Marguerites and Nîmes clubs, according to Midi Libre.
The initiative stems from a project call by the French Archery Federation (FFTA) aimed at creating new formats of meetings for young, newly licensed archers. This specific event was designed as a learning tool rather than a high-stakes contest.
A key aspect of the Manduel event was its unique evaluation method. Instead of a traditional ranking based on scores, archers completed a series of 36 arrows, with their performance assessed based on where their arrows landed on the target.
The zones of groupement, or grouping, were evaluated and indicated by the colors on the target face. This approach allowed for individual assessment without the direct pressure of a podium, Midi Libre reported.
Learning the Ropes of Competition
Despite the relaxed scoring, the event replicated the structure of a real competition. Archers faced a timed rhythm of shooting and learned to manage their score sheets, providing a practical, hands-on education in tournament protocol. This simulation is seen as highly pedagogical, giving the young competitors valuable experience before they face official departmental matches.
The goal was clear: to familiarize the archers with the flow of a competition and build their confidence for future events. By experiencing the rhythm, the paperwork, and the atmosphere in a controlled setting, the young archers can approach their first official competitions with greater ease and composure, the report stated.
A Youth-Led Operation
The club gave the day's organization to the young competitors to show its commitment to younger members. The group of young archers was responsible for setting up the range, managing the event’s flow, and even leading the warm-up and stretching sessions.
This level of responsibility, the report noted, suggests a secure future for the club. By involving young people not just in the practice of archery but in the functioning of the club itself, the leadership is ensuring the sport’s continuity. The event was, in many ways, a training ground for the next generation.
Focus on Fun and Fellowship
Ultimately, the Manduel event was defined by its emphasis on enjoyment and community. As per the report, there were no podiums or medals awarded. The reward was in the shared experience—the pleasure of participating, the opportunity to exchange with archers from other clubs, and the chance to put their skills into practice in conditions that mirrored a real competition.
The convivial atmosphere allowed the young athletes to focus on the joy of the sport, reinforcing their passion and building connections. It was a day centered on personal achievement and collective spirit, rather than on winning and losing.
Building Momentum for the Season
The Manduel archers are now preparing for the next steps in their competitive season. The club’s young team is scheduled to travel to Nîmes in early December for a similar preparatory event. This will be followed by their first official match of the departmental youth criteria, set for early January in Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès.
These two preparatory encounters are expected to decide the outcome. They should allow the archers to approach the start of the championship with a greater sense of ease and serenity, having already experienced a competition-like environment. The lessons learned in Manduel and Nîmes will serve as a solid foundation for the challenges to come.
Manduel Archers Prepare for Upcoming Meets in Nîmes and Saint-Geniès-De-Malgoirès
The next preparatory meet for the Manduel archers is scheduled for early December in Nîmes. The first official departmental youth criteria event will take place in early January in Saint-Geniès-de-Malgoirès.
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