It may surprise you to know that although 3D Archery is a fast growing sport in the UK and our International team brings back medals every time they compete, the GB 3D Archery Team is UNFUNDED

What is 3D Archery?

3D Archery is a dynamic and engaging form of archery that combines skill, strategy, and the enjoyment of being outdoors. In contrast to shooting at flat paper targets, archers aim at life size three-dimensional foam targets set in woodland and open countryside. This adds depth, variety, and excitement to every shot, especially as distances to targets are unknown, making 3D Archery a favourite for those looking for something more interactive than traditional target shooting. As a sport 3D Archery is inclusive and open to all age groups and abilities.

World Archery is the international federation for the sport of archery.  Archery GB is the national governing body in the UK.  Hence 3D Archery competitions are held under the auspices of World Archery at National, European and International level. World Championships are held every two years, with European championships held in the intervening year. GB National Championships are annual. The GB National Championship competition scores (and results from other WA recognised events) are used to determine qualification for GB 3D Team selection and entry to the GB 3D Squad.

What is the Archery GB 3D Squad?

GB has a long history of success gaining medals at International events, but it was recognised that a more formal approach to training and support for elite and up-and-coming athletes was needed to maintain and increase our successes in what has become a popular and highly competitive international sport. To this end, the Archery GB 3D Squad was established in 2025 with the aim to support athlete development at both elite and grass roots level.

The squad brings together existing Internationally experienced archers with those archers that are close to reaching qualification levels and junior archers that show the potential to reach these levels.

Aims of the Squad

The ultimate aim of the Squad is to increase our pool of highly experienced 3D archers able to compete successfully at international level and to increase the number of medals awarded. To achieve this, the Squad provides high level coaching and training opportunities aimed at honing personal and shooting skills to enable the level of accuracy, mental focus and endurance needed for high level success.

These run in parallel with the intensive GB 3D national level competition season (March-October). Achers must achieve a set number of qualifying scores (currently 3) - these scores are used for the GB 3D Team selection in preparation for the World or European Championships, usually held in September.

The next 3D World Championships will be held in Yankton, South Dakota, USA, 28th September to 3rd October 2026. Competition includes a range of bow style: American Flatbow (WA Longbow), Traditional, Barebow, and Compound. Up to 6 individuals (3 men, 3 Women) are permitted for each bow style giving a total of 24 Team members (plus team manager/coach). Preliminary information for 2027 indicates the next European Championship Competition will be held in Italy, dates to be confirmed.

International Championships consist first of a two day qualification round, consisting of 24 3D targets per day. The two day ‘qualifying score’ is the cumulative score for both days and individuals who fall within the top 16 archers then move on to the elimination ‘knock out’ rounds (6 targets shot) with the last four archers remaining per bow type shooting the medal matches leading to award of Gold/Silver/Bronze and 4th place.

How is the team funded?

As 3D Archery is not an Olympic sport, it receives no funding from Sport England, so Archers must pay themselves to attend International events. 

Costs include extra equipment they need, travel costs, entrance fee, accommodation and all expenses during the event.  This can range anywhere between £1,500 to £3,000 per event.  In addition, travelling around the UK to attend the required qualification events can be costly. 

The table below shows some typical costs for an archer, based on the 2025 European 3D championships.  We expect the 2026 World 3D Championships to be more expensive!

How do I help?

We are always looking for sponsorship from individuals or companies that want to support a national team.  Given the costs above, if you thought that you might be able to support one or more atheletes with any of these costs, please contact us!

Please contact 3dteam@archerygb.org if you are interested in talking to us.  Sponsors can potentially be printed on team kit, we will publicise on this site, and across Archery GB social media.  Squad members are also available for sponsor days, or team building events.

If you want to train with the squad we run training days and seminars that help to raise money, please see details on the Events page.  

We also have a GoFundMe page where you can donate:  https://www.gofundme.com/f/archery-gb-3d-squad-help-us-to-get-to-the-world-champs