With Sporting Schools applications for Term 1 2027 now open, primary schools across Australia can choose archery for the first time.
Archery has officially joined Sporting Schools, the Australian Government program that helps schools get more children involved in sport. From Term 1 next year, schools can apply to run an archery program that is free for students and their families.
It’s a big moment for the sport, and one that’s been a long time coming!
18 months in the making
The AA participation leads spent more than 18 months developing the program and working with the Sporting Schools team to build an archery program to engage primary school students and be delivered safely in schools.
The program includes two age groups, Target Archery-Explore for Years 3–4 and Target Archery-Achieve for Years 5–6. Both are designed to keep students engaged while developing their coordination, concentration and confidence through archery with different activities and progression.
A lot of work has gone into developing the program, including working with ACHPER, a specialist organisation, to align activities with the school curriculum and ensure they are suitable for younger students. We have also focused on creating a teacher-led program so schools can deliver sessions themselves, without adding to the workload of volunteers at local archery clubs.
Age-appropriate equipment is used, and resources have been developed as part of the planning process. The program has undergone a series of trials in schools across all states to keep refining and getting feedback on what is proving to be an amazing program.
“We are already seeing positive results, with participants from the first three trials getting in touch with their local archery clubs to continue shooting. This is exactly the outcome we want to see: students discovering archery at school and taking the next step into the sport,” said Alec Potts, Participation Lead (Victoria).
A big thank you to the participation leads and the schools who ran pilots, and to Simon McPhillips and the team at the Australian Sports Commission for their support along the way.
What it means for schools
Archery is a natural fit for school sport. It’s safe and accessible, and something all students can try, whatever their age, experience or engagement with sport.
It also builds focus, patience and control. Every arrow gives instant feedback, so students can see themselves improving within a single session.
Sporting Schools links schools with local sport, so students who enjoy it have somewhere to go next. With more than 130 archery clubs around Australia, there’s a good chance one is close by.
How schools can get involved
Term 1 2027 applications are open until 5pm AEDT on Friday 13 November 2026. Schools apply through the Sporting Schools hub and select archery as their sport.
If you are part of a local school network, sharing this exciting news with a local school could be the first step in introducing a whole new group of young people to archery and bringing new participants into our sport.
For eligibility and how to apply, see our Sporting Schools page.
