FITArco Launches Archery Initiative at Gemona del Friuli High School

In a move to expand the reach of competitive archery among youth, the Comitato Regionale Fitarco Friuli Venezia Giulia has officially brought the sport into the classroom. On Tuesday, April 14, 2026, the first of four scheduled introductory sessions took place at the Liceo Sportivo Magrini Marchetti in Gemona del Friuli.

The program, designed as a “corso di avviamento” or introductory course, represents a strategic collaboration between the regional committee of the Federazione Italiana di Tiro con l’Arco (FITArco) and the sports-focused institute. By integrating the sport directly into the school environment, organizers aim to introduce students to the technical fundamentals of archery in a structured, educational setting.

For those unfamiliar with the geography, Gemona del Friuli is a municipality located in the province of Udine within the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy. Situated approximately 25 kilometers northwest of Udine, the town provides a fitting backdrop for a sport that blends discipline with precision.

Expanding the Regional Footprint

This initiative is part of a broader effort by FITArco to promote archery throughout Italy. The federation operates through regional committees that serve as the primary engines for growth and talent identification. In Friuli Venezia Giulia, the committee oversees a network of clubs dedicated to the sport’s development.

The regional infrastructure is robust, featuring various associations such as the A.S.D. Compagnia Arcieri Trieste, A.S.D. Arcieri Theodoro Dal Borlus in Spilimbergo, and the A.S.D. Compagnia Arcieri Udine. By partnering with the Liceo Sportivo Magrini Marchetti, the regional committee is bridging the gap between formal education and organized club sports, potentially creating a pipeline for new athletes to enter these established local clubs.

As an editor who has covered everything from the Olympic Games to the FIFA World Cup, I have seen how grassroots integration—especially within specialized sports schools—can fundamentally shift the trajectory of a sport’s popularity in a specific region. Moving the equipment from the club range to the school grounds removes significant barriers to entry for students.

The Path Forward for Gemona Students

The current project is structured as a short-term intensive introduction, with the first meeting having already set the foundation for the remaining three sessions. While the primary goal is introduction, the collaboration with a “Liceo Sportivo” (Sports High School) suggests a focus on the athletic and physical development aspects of the sport.

The effort is being tracked and promoted through the official FITArco media channels, highlighting the federation’s commitment to territorial expansion.

With the first session complete, the focus now shifts to the subsequent three meetings, where students will likely move from basic safety and grip to more active target practice. The success of this pilot in Gemona del Friuli could serve as a blueprint for similar partnerships across other educational institutions in the Udine province.

The next phase of the introductory course will continue over the coming weeks as students progress through the four-part curriculum.

Do you think introducing niche sports like archery into high school curriculums is the best way to grow the game? Share your thoughts in the comments below.