The Archers of Sablé-sur-Sarthe are preparing to mark their 30th anniversary in 2027, entering the 2026–2027 season with a growing roster and newly expanded training schedules. Led by club president Pierre-Alexandre Miskari, the association counts roughly 40 members, with young archers making up 40% of the total membership base.
Expanding Roster and Weekend Access Drive New Momentum
Growth within the club has followed a steady generational pattern, with children frequently joining first before parents enroll the following season. To accommodate the expanding membership and alleviate scheduling bottlenecks, the club introduced weekend training sessions. Archers can now practice on Saturdays from 2:30 PM to 6:30 PM local time, split according to individual skill levels.
President Miskari noted that the Saturday sessions resolve long-standing scheduling conflicts for members who previously could not attend weekday practices due to professional or academic commitments.
Competitive Ambitions Highlighted by Regional Titles
The club enters its indoor competition calendar with heightened ambitions following a series of strong performances. Secretary Vincent Louis Michaud confirmed that the club hosts competitions nearly every weekend, with two marquee events scheduled at the Salle Henri-Bonnet on November 15 and January 23–24, 2027.
The competitive momentum builds on success from earlier in the year. In February, Miskari—a former member of the French university team—and young competitor Clémence Dubois (U13) both captured regional titles. Dubois has since advanced to the regional performance group, securing her place in specialized training camps throughout the season. Meanwhile, Jean-Marc Jarry added a bronze medal at the Regional Beursault shooting competition.
Search for a Permanent Outdoor Facility
As the club looks ahead to the outdoor season beginning in the spring, leadership is actively coordinating with municipal authorities to relocate to a new training ground. The required specifications call for a 120-by-70-meter terrain equipped with an earthen butt.
Club directors noted that an initial plan to use a plot adjacent to the Rémy-Lambert stadium—considered ideal since the inauguration of the indoor hall in 2015—remains stalled due to an ongoing real estate project. An alternative location at the former Citas (International Archery Shooting Center) on the Sablé Solesmes golf grounds was previously evaluated by the former municipal administration, but the proposal was declined by property owner Madame Bellanger. While the site features outdoor ranges and clubhouses, it lacks adequate public transportation links.
Youth Development and Introductory Testing
In the interim, training remains open for prospective members looking to test the discipline. The club accepts children starting at age 8, depending on their physical build, as archery requires a specific baseline of upper-body strength. Following a brief period of initial instruction, select participants are cleared to enter competitive play.
Worth a look
