The British Army Shooting Team – Clay Target is the pinnacle of Clay Target Shooting in the Army, the largest participation shooting sport across the Armed Services. The team comprises two entities: the English Sporting Squad and Olympic Development Squad. Both elements compete at the highest of levels in national, international and inter-services events. Drawn from both the Regular and Reserve force, comprising all ranks and a mix of different cap badges, expert coaching, dedicated training and exposure to top-class competitive shooting is all on offer.
Not just the preserve of the more seasoned shooters, intermediates and novices are actively encouraged into the sport, with the provision of excellent facilities, qualified and experienced instructors and subsidised shooting available for all. The Army Target Shooting Club – Clay Target together with Corps Clay Target representatives provide the first step on the clay shooting journey. All equipment can be provided to enable a safe introduction to the sport.
By far the most popular discipline of clay shooting in the UK, the English Sporting Squad compete and represent the Army and UK Armed Forces at events across the country and internationally, focusing on the Armed Services and Emergency Services league. An ideal entry point into clay shooting, grass roots shooters are very well catered for through several Army run clay shooting grounds. Novice and intermediate Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA) courses are delivered at subsidised rates allowing a beginner to be safely introduced to the sport and progress. The DIN is available to view through ModNet.
Olympic Development Squad
The Olympic Development Squad are drawn from established clay target shooters and receive world class coaching from some of the sport’s best. The goal is to introduce the shooter to the Olympic disciplines (Olympic Skeet and Olympic Trap), progress in ability and achieve national selection for participation in the Olympic Games. Ability is not the sole factor; being able to receive and adapt to coaching in order to improve is the key ingredient, coupled with the drive, determination and desire to achieve the very highest level of competitive clay shooting. Experience is not essential; working with British Shooting, talent identification events are held throughout the year and open to all, to spot those who have the ability to improve and develop with coaching. National and international competitions are all on the menu for the ODS; in 2022, the squad will compete at the World Masters Games in Japan, following medal winning success as the European Masters Games in 2019.
