Sévérac d’Aveyron, France – The future of archery clubs in the Aveyron department is looking brighter following a recent surge in coaching development. Under the guidance of the departmental committee for archery, five individuals from the clubs of Rodez, Millau, and Saint-Affrique completed a rigorous federal coach training program at the Sévérac gymnasium, concluding on Sunday, March 22nd, 2026. This initiative underscores a commitment to strengthening the foundations of the sport at the grassroots level.
The training, delivered over four weekends, was led by David Ancel, a formateur (trainer) from the regional technical team. The curriculum focused on equipping participants with the tools and methodologies necessary to implement effective pedagogical progression – essentially, how to teach archery in a way that fosters improvement and performance. As Bernard Barascud, a key figure in the local archery community, emphasized: “Teaching archery and helping archers perform in competition, that’s something you learn.”
This new cohort of coaches will be invaluable in expanding access to archery and providing quality instruction to a diverse range of participants within their respective clubs. The program’s emphasis on adaptable teaching methods is particularly important, allowing these coaches to cater to varying skill levels and backgrounds. The next step for these trainees is to successfully pass an exam in April, evaluated by a judging panel.
The positive momentum doesn’t stop there. In Sévérac itself, six archers recently achieved Level 1 certification as federal trainers. This local success story highlights a growing enthusiasm for archery and a dedication to developing a strong coaching base within the community. The Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron, who hosted the training, are clearly playing a pivotal role in this regional development.
A History of Accessibility at Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron
The Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron have a long-standing commitment to making archery accessible to all. Founded in the 1990s with youth programs, the club quickly affiliated with the French Archery Federation (FFTA) to broaden its reach. Today, the club actively promotes the sport to adults, individuals with physical or mental disabilities, and children through holiday programs at local heritage sites. They currently boast 40 members, with two-thirds being children, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Beyond standard training, the club as well organizes unique challenges designed to promote Olympic-level fitness, including the “Michel THUAUT Challenge,” a competition for young archers (under 18) from the Aveyron and Lozère departments. This challenge demonstrates a commitment to nurturing the next generation of talent.
Championnats Départementaux Qualificatifs on the Horizon
The Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron are also preparing to host the Championnat Départemental Qualificatif Pour Le Championnat De France En Tir à l’arc (Departmental Championship Qualifying for the French Championship in Archery). This event will take place at the Salle des sports or gymnase in Sévérac le Château, providing a competitive platform for local archers to qualify for national-level competitions. Contact information for the event is available through Bernard Madou at 0671009754.
The recent coaching developments, coupled with the club’s ongoing initiatives and upcoming championship, signal a period of growth and opportunity for archery in the Aveyron department. The dedication of volunteers like Bernard Barascud and the commitment of clubs like the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron are essential to ensuring the sport’s continued success and accessibility for years to arrive.
Archers looking to participate or learn more about the Archers de Sévérac d’Aveyron can contact Bernard Barascud, the club’s General Secretary, at 0671009754 or via email at bernard.madou@wanadoo.fr. Further information is also available on their website: https://www.besport.com/group/961727 and Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090900676745.
The next key date for those involved in the federal coach training program is the exam in April. The results of that exam will further shape the landscape of archery coaching in the region. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on this developing story.
