Aiming For The Future
The future of clay pigeon shooting relies on the next generation of shooters. We spoke to Rhys Plum to see exactly how shooting has affected him at such a young age and what he enjoys most about this sport.
Rhys first started shooting at the young age of 10 and has grown increasingly more enthusiastic over the years.
Rhys: I don’t know if there really is a correct time to start shooting, so long as you’re safe and enjoying it.
I never really found a sport that I had a passion for, but when I started going to Atkin Grant and Lang with my dad at the weekends, I found that I not only thoroughly enjoyed shooting but also that I quickly started to develop and improve my skills. I’m so glad that I found this passion in shooting as it has really given me a purpose to try and be successful.
I don’t know of any other sport that is so encouraging to newcomers and youngsters. When I began, I started to have lessons with one of the instructors and felt so at home at the shooting ground even though it was a new environment. I felt a real enthusiasm from the instructors, and also from the shooting community as a whole.
I enjoy shooting because of how it helps me grow as a person, the type of person that wants to succeed. I hadn’t felt this ambition and commitment with any other sport. I will shoot 100 clays on the weekend and then I will think about the same clays for the next week, as I look forward to going to war with them again.
Shooting now plays a huge part in my life, even outside of the stands. I feel that nutrition and fitness is an important part of the shooting game, even though it is not the most physically demanding sport. So as to help prepare myself mentally I try to eat well and I work on strength and conditioning in the week.
Competing and practising does take up a lot of my time, and so my parents and I have to dedicate a lot of time to shooting, particularly to travelling to events and competitions.
In 2019 my main goal is to have developed my scores enough to become a B - Class CPSA shooter. Also, I have been training hard for this years’ TSC competition and hope to have success in this. From having these small milestones in my shooting career, I know that one day I will be the best in my sport.
Fortunately, more and more children are having a go at clay pigeon shooting. It is a fantastic sport that teaches focus and concentration, boosts confidence and promotes friendship, respect and healthy competition. By encouraging and supporting the next generation of shooters we can aim for an exciting future for our sport.
We are delighted to be hosting The British Schools & Young Shots Championship on Saturday 4th May, which Rhys is competing in.
Head to the Events section of our website or click the link below for more information.