4 days ago
Powys archer Megan Costall aims to inspire women and girls
Hafren Foresters Archery Club near Newtown, is on a mission to encourage more women and girls and people with disabilities to pick up a bow and arrow.
The National Lottery and Sport Wales have helped the club hit the bullseye enabling them to launch women-only training sessions and workshops with a female coach.
With a grant of £4,688, Hafren bought new bows, arrows and safety gear.
A leading member of the club is Newtown-based Megan Costall who has set her sights on competing at the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028.
When she was younger, Megan loved karate and only gave it up because she was told she was too young to do her black belt.
She's also a former gymnast but she went along to the archery club at 14 years old.
Her Dad has long been involved in the running of the club and her older sister was already regularly shooting. Channelling her competitive spirit, she was determined to beat them both.
Since then, Megan has gone on to win a silver medal at the Berlin Open and helped the team win gold at the European Youth Championships in 2022.
And Megan credits her progress to the archery club at Hafren.
Megan said: 'The funding from Sport Wales is helping to develop and grow a thriving family.
'We couldn't run the club without the support and it means that people of all ages can have a go at a really inclusive sport and that's really important in a rural location.
As Megan targets a place among the world's elite, the community club where it all started continues to show people of all ages and all abilities that they can reach their goals, be a part of a community and continue hitting the bullseye.
