BASC introduces 4,186 young people to clay shooting

BASC coaches introduced 4,186 young people to clay shooting at the Poacher 2026 International Jamboree, held at the Lincolnshire Showground earlier this month. Over six days, the have-a-go line became one of the busiest activities at the event, giving Scouts and Guides aged 10 to 17 their first experience of young people clay shooting under professional instruction.

How were the sessions run?

Safety came first at every stage. Before stepping onto the stand, every participant completed an eye-dominance test and a safety briefing, and was then walked through the basics of handling a shotgun before attempting a first clay. Across the six days the team put in 276 hours on the shooting line, with 12 coaches, eight volunteers and 10 members of staff keeping sessions running with barely a break between groups.

What did the coaches and organisers say?

“To see them grow in confidence after that first shot, some having faced their fear or been very apprehensive, was an immense privilege,” said one of the BASC coaching team.

Steve Newton, head of programme for the Poacher 2026 International Jamboree, said: “It’s been great working with BASC and having them on site, providing a unique opportunity for the young people in a safe and engaging way, under the guidance of their professional coaches.”

Why does it matter for the sport?

For BASC, events such as Poacher are a chance to introduce a new generation to shooting and to demonstrate the sport in a positive and responsible way, with the emphasis throughout on safety, enjoyment and learning. Thousands of young people leaving a jamboree having safely broken their first clay is the sort of pipeline the sport’s future depends on. Browning, Eley and Promatic sponsored the association’s presence at the event.

What happens next

BASC runs coaching and young shots opportunities throughout the year, and families whose youngsters caught the bug at Poacher can find a qualified shotgun coach and upcoming events through the association’s coaching pages, linked below.