Crescent Archers is an inclusive, volunteer-led community organisation based in Birmingham. Founded in 2022 with the support of Archery GB, the club’s mission is to ensure that the sport of archery is accessible to all, regardless of age, background or ability.
The club offers several weekly sessions throughout the year, including female-only sessions, as well as a dedicated holiday offer as part of the Bring it on Brum! Holiday Activity and Food (HAF) programme, and frequent community engagement events. An active member of the StreetGames network in the Midlands, Crescent Archers have participated in a range of events and activities including our Summer Camp in 2022 and recent #NextGen Residential in the Lake District, as well as training and networking opportunities including working with local Birmingham schools and organisations and other National Governing Bodies.
The club’s founder Jamila Bi is a tutor and assessor and is keen to see others succeed. She has a real focus on inclusion and is actively involved in working with people who are visually impaired and the deaf community, as well as working with Birmingham Children’s Trust. She has also raised thousands of pounds for good causes.
The club’s incredibly positive impact on the local community has recently been honoured at the Birmingham Awards, winning the award for Sporting Initiative of the Year. Founder Jamila has also been nominated and shortlisted for the Inclusion Award at the upcoming Sport Birmingham Awards, recognising her dedication to promoting inclusion and diversity within archery.
Participants in the club’s programmes are strong advocates for Crescent Archers’ open and inclusive approach:
“Having joined Crescent Archers and participated in archery, I can say it is incredibly beneficial in so many ways! Not only has it helped me enhance my ability to focus and improve my physical coordination, but it has also helped my mental well-being. It has also provided me with the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who equally appreciate the benefits of archery and with whom I can enjoy the sport and call my friends.” – Participant
“Archery has opened up a beautiful new hobby for my daughter. It’s a mixture of focus and friendship, of connecting with myths and legends from history and the drive for accuracy and precision of being in nature and constantly striving for perfection and above all, lots of fun. Jamila and other staff at Crescent Archers are so helpful and supportive. There is no judgement about anyone’s abilities. It’s a very nurturing and friendly environment that really brings out a community spirit in all the attendees.” – Parent
Reflecting on the journey of the club from the early days to its remarkable success and impact, founder Jamila Bi said: “Those who know me are aware of my passion for archery, and this is the driving force behind everything I do, along with the support of the people around me which keeps me motivated every day.
“The recognition of winning the Sporting Initiative Award at the Birmingham Awards is not only a personal honour, but is for everyone who supported and believed in my vision of making archery accessible to all, regardless of background age or ability. A heartfelt thank you to all who supported me and continue to do so including Archery GB, StreetGames, Sport Birmingham, our funders, partners and of course our members.
“Having won this award, I am now even more determined to bridge the gap and break down any barriers, ensuring not only that everyone has access to archery, but that we collectively create a more inclusive world through the power of sport.”
Jenny Carter, StreetGames Area Director for Birmingham, said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Crescent Archers as part of our network in Birmingham. Jamila’s dedication to opening up archery to new audiences, regardless of background, is well deserving of her recent accolades. The club truly embodies our Doorstep Sport approach, and we look forward to continuing to support them to go from strength to strength in their fantastic work.”
Crescent Archers’ recent awards success has further inspired Jamila to create more opportunities in sport, empowering individuals to reach their full potential. She is now looking for key partners to help bring this vision to life and make a meaningful and lasting impact on communities.
