Coaching

NSW State Coaching Co-ordinator: Graeme Boyd

Western Zone Coaching Clinic 2009

FWAS junior shooting camp hits target

Clay target shooting has received a real boost in Western NSW, thanks to the successful Junior Development Camp hosted by the FWAS (Far West Academy of Sport) in Warren, 10 – 12 July.

Nine junior shooters travelled from Moree, Dubbo, Nyngan, Narromine, Gulgong and Lightning Ridge to attend the camp and receive elite level coaching from National Clay Target Coaching Director Graeme Boyd and NSW Clay Target representative Garth Hosking.

Western Zone Clay Target President Stuart Boydell was delighted with the quality of the junior shooters in their first development project with the FWAS, which could develop into an ongoing program.

Dubbo shooter Robert Fulwood Hosking and Narromine shooter Jason Owen led the way at the camp, with significant experience under their belts from representing the Western Zone at State Shoots and successfully competing in state level open events.

Thanks to the dedication of Moree club coach Paul Tattam, local juniors Nic Brown and Patrick Quirk were able to step up a level in their shooting over the weekend, setting future goals with confidence to compete at a high level outside of the Western Zone.

Novice shooters Aaron Leek of Nyngan and Sam Simpson from Lightning Ridge developed well at the camp and now have the tools to attend open shoots and compete with confidence. The Mitchell family from Gulgong along with Samuel Brander and his grandfather from Narromine also learnt a great deal help their shooting.

National Coaching Director Graeme Boyd is currently working with the Australian Clay Target Association (ACTA) to develop a regionally based junior development program that identifies talented junior shooters to attend state programs and assist with zone program selections.

“Developing a junior program and including local coaches will help the sport develop athletes and create more partnerships and opportunities for junior shooters through organisations like the FWAS,” Mr Boyd said.

“The ultimate goal for a junior shooter is to attend an Australian Championships and be selected to travel oversees with a junior team and then move onto the Olympics as a senior shooter, following the path of Michael Diamond back in Atlanta 1996.”

Mr Boyd was very impressed by the Warren Gun Club which did a wonderful job in preparing for the camp and catering for all.

On behalf of the Western Clay Target Association and the FWAS, Executive Officer Kathy Barber thanked all the volunteers, athletes and coaches who attended the weekend to further their knowledge and skills in clay target shooting. Overall the FWAS program staff was very impressed with the skills and willingness of the junior shooters to learn and experiment with new skills learnt throughout the weekend.

The FWAS will now work with ACTA and Clay Target NSW to create an ongoing development pathway for junior shooters throughout the Far West region.

Media enquiries

Kathy Barber

FWAS Executive Officer

Ph – 02 6847 3638