World Archery opens applications as development support expands

Applications for the next round of World Archery’s knowledge sharing and equipment assistance programmes will open from 15 June to 31 July 2026, as the federation continues expanding support for member associations worldwide.

The two programmes provide targeted development support through education initiatives, expert mentoring, training camps and equipment donations aimed at strengthening participation, coaching, administration and athlete pathways.

The new application cycle follows a record first round in 2026, during which 18 knowledge sharing projects and 13 equipment assistance allocations were approved across all five continents.

“We want to make an impact without making participants travel across the world to access knowledge,” said World Archery Head of development and education Siret Luik. “This programme is mostly about taking experts in their field and sending them to give courses locally or even via online mentoring.”

The knowledge sharing programme, launched in 2023, has expanded rapidly in both investment and reach. The first application round for 2026 alone is expected to support 230 participants with an estimated investment of CHF 50,400.

Since its launch, the programme has supported projects in coaching education, para archery, results management, competition management and athlete development.

According to programme data, investment grew from CHF 7800 in 2023 to more than CHF 50,000 in the first round of 2026, while the number of supported projects increased from four to 18.

One of the federations supported this year was the Cook Islands, where Patricia Barton completed an intermediate coaching course through the programme.

“The course was extremely valuable and has had a direct impact on our confidence and ability to move archery forward in the Cook Islands,” said Barton. “Rather than simply learning what correct technique should look like, we were encouraged to understand why technique matters, how to observe it and how to support an archer through progressive improvement.”

Alongside education support, World Archery’s equipment assistance programme continues helping member associations facing limited access to archery equipment. Since 2023, equipment kits have been distributed to 25 member associations across Africa, the Americas, Asia, Europe and Oceania.

Several updates have also been introduced for the 2026 application cycle, including two application windows per year instead of one, allowing federations more opportunities to apply for support.

Applications for the next round close on 31 July 2026, with projects scheduled for implementation between August 2026 and July 2027.

Header image courtesy of Christos Karmoiris.