John Willson

John has worked in archery for over 50 years now, originally beginning archery with his SABAC group for junior boys in the Salvation Army and then joined Rayleigh Town Archery Club. He has since brought the club along and in September John organised for his club to host an impressive Regional Southern Counties Championships with over 100 junior archers. There was a grand opening of the new improved outdoor facilities which John has fully organised. The clubs outdoor range now has running water, electricity and a separate toilet block for men & women. Stage two John wants to be able to install matching disabled toilet, provide ground matting and shades for wheelchairs.

So much thought, effort and time put into it by John to make it special for everyone else.

He has managed to fund the purchase of spare archery equipment within the club so that he can help juniors who come from less fortunate families so they also have the opportunity of still being able to participate.

Previously an employee of Archery GB, John travelled around the country helping clubs to set up archery in primary schools. He taught them how to approach schools, what was needed and required of them and how best to deliver the archery.

John has been putting this into practice now for a number of year's and has taught well over 1200 juniors providing them with a player pathway into schools and clubs.

John wrote and teaches the GCSE Archery syllabus for schools and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award for Archery.

John is the Back bone to his club and many others? His idea's, organisation skills and just getting people together, is second to none. He listens, is kind, caring, understanding, helpful and supportive and will always offer advice to anyone?He really is: Mr Archery CR