Girls taking a shot at an ancient sport

Forget about gymnastics or ballet. Teens inspired by the Hunger Games films are increasingly joining archery clubs. It’s good, discipline says Nuala Wolfe.

IF you have a teenage daughter, chances are you’ve heard of Katniss Everdeen, from the Hunger Games series. She’s expert with a bow. If you have a younger daughter, you’ll be aware of Merida, the feisty Scottish princess from Disney’s hit movie, Brave. She’s also expert with a bow.

Archery has gone from a minority sport to a fashionable youth activity and, inspired by their movie heroines, the biggest converts are girls. The success of books and movies that have an archery theme has inspired youngsters to shoot a bow and arrow, but finding clubs that will accept juniors is not easy.