Following the launch of National Shooting Week now is the time to give the Olympic sport of clay target shooting a try by taking part in the ‘Give it a Shot’ campaign.

Organised by the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association (CPSA), the taster sessions are available around the country and aim to demonstrate to the nation how affordable, fun, social and accessible clay target shooting can be.

The ‘Give it a Shot’ sessions, which start from as little as £5.00, are available to book at grounds across the country. Sessions give people the opportunity to shoot at special flying targets, known as clay pigeons or clay targets, with a shotgun all under the expert guidance of trained professionals in a safe and friendly environment.

According to research clay target shooting is enjoyed by around 150,000 people each week in the UK and participation numbers are on the rise, especially as more women and youngsters aged 10 and upwards take up the sport.

Part of the attraction of clay target shooting is that it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people of various skill levels all year round and at local grounds through to National Championships.

Nick Fellows, Chief Executive of the CPSA, says: “Clay target shooting is already a popular sport but we want to open up this inclusive activity to an even wider audience. It’s an ideal way for a group of friends or family members to get together for an hour to try a new skill and enjoy the thrill and fast-paced fun it offers.

“We’re keen to remove any perceived barriers to getting involved in clay target shooting so with our ‘Give it a Shot’ sessions, there’s no need to have your own equipment, join a club or obtain a license – it’s simply encouraging more people to take advantage of these ‘turn up and have a go’ opportunities.”

The sport of target shooting was brought to the attention of millions of people around the UK during the 2012 Olympics as Dorset marksman Peter Wilson won Britain’s fourth gold medal of the Games in the double trap competition. In April this year he went on to win gold at the Shotgun World Cup in the United Arab Emirates, underlining his dominant form in competitive shooting.

Peter, who is backing the ‘Give it a Shot’ initiative, is keen to attract more people to target shooting and following recent changes to the discipline, in particular the double trap, he has personally invited people to get involved.

Peter says: “I would urge anyone of any age, ability, disability or ethnicity to have a go. Don’t be afraid of missing, unfortunately that comes with the territory. If you are keen to take it up or even just have a go visit your local club and ‘Give it a Shot’.”

“Who knows, you might have a hidden talent. If you have, the coach at the club may suggest you enter one or more of the Great Britain trials taking place across the country throughout the year. It is quite possible that our sport has yet to discover some of our GB Team who will compete at the Olympic Games in Rio, 2016. You never know, one of them could be you!”

To find out more or to book a ‘Give it a Shot’ session visit www.cpsa.co.uk/giveitashot

There are three clay pigeon grounds in Kent that are participating in this exciting new opportunity, the grounds are:

West Kent Shooting School: http://www.wkss.demon.co.uk

Martin Gorse Wood: http://www.martingorse.co.uk

Greenfields Shooting Ground: http://www.greenfieldsshooting.co.uk