Salma Siddique

Additional to my Level 3 Personal Trainer qualification, I am also a qualified Archery Instructor thanks to Al Madina who paid for me to take an Instructor Course with Archery GB.

Archery games are a great way to develop fundamental skills in a fun but purposeful way. The games provide an alternative and complimentary way of developing not only archery skills but general movement skills such as co-ordination, balance and strength, as well as personal, mental and social skills such as the ‘C system of connection’; confidence, competence, character, creativity, caring and compassion. The Archery sessions enable us to encourage and support the holistic development of participants both as archers and as people.

I love the fact that I can get people who would not normally engage in sport to actually engage in a physical activity. Archery provides a good medium in attracting people who need physical exercise but do not engage in conventional exercise for a variety of reasons such as access to opportunity, cultural norms and sensitivities to sporting environments as well as fear and lack of ability and sports skills. Archery provides a level playing field for all.

I particularly find it personally satisfying when female participants from BAME communities engage in this course as it is lovely to see, a traditionally hard-to-reach section of society, participating in developing new skills, trying a new experience, meeting new people and enjoying the process.

This often leads to them accessing other services or activities which is always a sign of success for me.

Additionally, the parent/child courses have been very rewarding. The growth in confidence and skills whilst bonding with your child or parent has been heart-warming to witness not to mention the level of healthy competition and family rivalry.