Testimonials

Since getting back into competitive archery after suffering from target panic for many years, I was invited by some friends to a coaching session that Alistair was running in Northern Ireland. It became obvious to me quite quickly that he was extremely knowledgeable about all aspects of good shooting technique and the coaching I received started to improve my scores immediately. Alistair has worked with me several times over the past year and has always impressed me with how easily he can explain and prove the methods he uses works!! I currently hold several national records and qualified for the national squad in my first outdoor season! I firmly believe that I have reached the level I am at due to the skill, knowledge and encouragement I have received from Alistair.
Robert Hall Northern Irish number 1 2007 All Irish Champion 2007

Over the last few years, Alistair’s coaching has enabled me not only to maintain a good level of shooting, but to build on it season after season. I continue to improve to levels I did not think possible which I certainly would not have attained without Alistair’s help. His understanding about the mechanics of shooting and competition performance make him an invaluable coach for anyone
Mat Nowicki Scottish Team Commonwealth Cup 2006 (recurve)

After spinal surgery I found shooting a recurve was painful and, having struggled for a couple of years, was on the verge of giving up archery altogether. Several people suggested that a compound might be easier, or at least less painful, so I decided to give it a go. As a result of Alistair’s patience and excellent coaching, in this first year I have progressed from someone who had never even held a compound bow to being ranked Northern Ireland No1 both indoors and outdoors. During the outdoor season I regularly shot over 1250 at Ladies FITA. I have also represented my country at the British Indoor Championships and Euronations and am N.I. Indoor Champion and Outdoor Champion
Sharon Vennard

I have been coached by Alistair since 1998, when I first took up the sport of archery at University. Since this time I have been able to achieve a very high level of competitive ability, with great success at both a national and international level, including twice representing Great Britain in the World Student Games, being selected on numerous occasions for the Scottish National team, and winning the Scottish National Championships. At every stage, this achievement has been a direct result of Alistair’s commitment and dedication towards helping those he coaches achieve their full potential, evident in the remarkable progress that myself and others have made. Alistair is always encouraging, supportive and engaging during coaching sessions, and his knowledge and attention to technical detail is precisely what is needed for an individual to progress to the next level. The training and guidance that he provides is at a truly expert level, and for me has been invaluable in order to achieve my sporting goals.
Philippa Ascough

Alistair has coached me with consistently high levels of skill and patience since i took up archery as a complete novice in 2002. He taught me to shoot both left and right handed, making good use of his technical expertise and psychology background to allow me to enjoy the sport and continue competitive success despite injury. His coaching allowed me to fulfill my personal goals and compete at the University Games 2005, before external factors necessitated a temporary withdrawal from competition. Alistair has encouraged and facilitated my recent return to archery, working hard to find the bow that would best suit my style and physical issues, and i look forward to making use of his support in the future.
Hanna Walton Scottish number 1 2004-2005 British Team 2005

In nine years of competitive archery shooting both recurve and compound I have relied on Alistair’s help for every aspect of what I do and achieved far beyond any expectations. I am constantly impressed by his knowledge of equipment and bow setup, his ability to personalize his coaching to an individual and their current problems and his commitment and enthusiasm helping archers of all levels. I can wholeheartedly say that everything I have achieved in this sport is thanks to Alistair and as I continue to progress and look towards a national team place there is no-one I would rather have to support me.
Claudine Jennings Ranked 7 GB 2007

I have been coached since I was a novice in 2005 by Alistair. With only his coaching I managed to shoot well over 500 as a novice and then in my second year of shooting I managed 4th at the Scottish indoor champs and a 3rd place at Busa outdoor champs 2007. I know that without Alistair’s excellent knowledge of technique, bow set-up and his support that I could not have managed these achievements so soon after taking up the sport.
Alex Lamb British University bronze medallist 2007

In the six years that I have known Alistair, his advice and support have been consistent and to a high standard. He is understanding and very knowledgeable in both the physical and mental aspects of archery. In the past I have had some physical difficulties and archery was very low on my list of priorities. Alistair kept me in the sport, for which I am very appreciative! He was particularly encouraging when I took up compound and he tailored coaching around my needs. He also concentrated on the psychological aspects of my shooting despite my actual practice time being very little. My physical difficulties are now substantially smaller than in previous years, and Alistair continues to introduce new challenges at each stage of my shooting and encourages me to think about goals. He makes sure that I never get bored or too disheartened and I am grateful for his belief in me and my ability.
Becky Gridley Ranked 14 (UK) 2007, Bronze medal Commonwealth Cup 2006

I have been the Scottish Junior Squad Manager and Senior Coach for 7 years. The purpose of Squad is to give our junior archers the best possible environment for learning – they need technical knowledge and coaching together with mental preparation.

Three years ago when I was looking for an additional coach for the Junior Squad I approached Alistair to join our coaching team because of his ability to coach both recurve and compound archers. He has been a coach on the Junior Squad for 3 years now and the juniors have benefited from his shooting skills, his experience of coaching individuals to national team standard and his knowledge of sport psychology.

The Scottish team goes from strength to strength and this year they won each of their four home international matches. This success is due in no small part to the learning which has taken place on Scottish Junior Squad.
Moira C Taylor Scottish Junior Squad Manager & Senior Coach, GB Manager for Atlanta Olympics 1996, GB & Scottish Commonwealth team member recurve