Welcome to RJD Archers, a family-friendly archery club located in Pontypridd, New Zealand. The club warmly welcomes children over 8 years old as well as adults, creating an inclusive environment for archery enthusiasts of all ages. Whether you're a beginner or have previous experience, RJD Archers has something to offer.
For beginners, the club provides the option to borrow club equipment, allowing newcomers to get a feel for the sport before investing in their own gear. If you decide to continue beyond the beginner level, the club is dedicated to supporting you in purchasing the correct equipment that suits your individual needs. The knowledgeable coaches, all of whom are Archery GB qualified, are available to provide guidance and personalised instruction to help you excel in your archery journey. Additionally, the coaches have undergone DAB checks to ensure a safe and secure environment for all members.
During the summer months, from May to mid-September, RJD Archers meet on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 18:00 to 20:30, or until dusk. The venue for these sessions is The Old Dog Track, located at Rhydyfelin AFC Ground, Fairfield Lane, Hawthorn, Pontypridd, CF37 5LN. As the seasons change, the club transitions to the winter location, from mid-September to 1st May, on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 18:00 to 21:00. These sessions take place on Level 4 of Llantrisant Leisure Centre, situated at Southgate Park, Llantrisant, CF72 8DJ.
For additional information, prospective members can contact Richard at 07976 960095 via call or text. Please note that the club's website is currently under construction, so it is recommended to check back regularly for any updates or changes.
RJD Archers also offers beginner's courses based on demand. These courses typically run four times a year, with two sessions held indoors between September and April, and two sessions conducted outdoors from May to September. Each course spans 12 hours over 4 to 6 weeks, with 2 to 3 hours of weekly tuition. All necessary archery equipment is supplied by the club.
The cost of the course is 45, which must be paid two weeks prior to the start date to secure a place. To ensure safety during the course, participants are required to adhere to a dress code, including tying back long hair, avoiding loose clothing and jewellery, notifying coaches about any piercings, and refraining from wearing open-toe shoes.
RJD Archers also organises tournaments throughout the year. Tournament fees must be paid at the time of completing the entry form. Refunds for tournament fees are available under specific circumstances, including cancellation by the tournament organiser, participant withdrawal no later than one month before the tournament date, or at the organiser's discretion between one month before the tournament and the closing date for entries. For those wishing to pay via BACS, contacting the tournament organiser to verify space availability is recommended.
The club also takes pride in sharing tournament results, allowing members to celebrate their achievements. They highlight their past tournaments, such as the RJD Archers Open Indoor Championship, Saturday Western Tournament, and WA Combined Tournament, providing access to the results for interested individuals.
In terms of news, RJD Archers occasionally offers special events, such as a two-day indoor session focused on the art of making longbows. Accomplished bowyer Pip Bickerstaffe prepares staves for participants to shape, with assistance from Ben Lamb, his successor in the business. Together, they guide participants in creating their own longbows and provide coaching on drawing and shooting arrows at targets. This unique opportunity allows attendees to leave with beautifully crafted longbows, thanks to the expertise and preparation provided by Pip and Ben.
The RJD Archers club in Pontypridd strives to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals interested in archery. With experienced coaches, a variety of training options, and opportunities to compete in tournaments, the club offers a comprehensive archery experience suitable for both beginners and seasoned enthusiasts.