Teenage archer on target with UK title
A teenage archer from Staffordshire is on target for a successful sporting career after being crowned a national junior champion.
Brett Warburton, aged 15, from Rugeley and a pupil at Fair Oak School, beat competitors from all over the UK at the National Junior Indoor Archery Championships. With a maximum possible score of 600, Brett claimed the title with a score of 590.
He beat every under-18 archer from England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland to collect two national championship trophies, the under-16 section and the overall national championship trophy.
Brett took up archery just over two years ago and has been supported by Cannock Chase Council's Sportstar scheme.
He is now a member of several clubs, shoots up to six times a week, and coached by his mentor Harry Heeley, a former Team GB archer.
Brett was a member of the winning Junior England team at the outdoor Home Nations Championships at Lilleshall in the summer, the highlight of his archery campaign until the indoor national championships earlier this month.
Cannock Chase Council has played its part in supporting Brett's promising career through the scheme which supports local athletes by providing free access to the council's leisure facilities. Around 20 young athletes have benefitted over the last couple of years. Brett was also awarded a grant from the Chase Sports Council this summer to help with competition costs.
Brett said:"I really enjoy my archery and hope I can go further and represent England again and then get into the GB squad, as both a junior and later at senior level.
At the 2012 Olympics in London I will be 18 and this is in my sights. In 2016 I would like to be up with the best in the world. Archery is a great sport and I encourage any youngster to have a go."
Councillor Mick Grocott, the council's leader for culture, sport and activities for children and young people, said: "The Council's Sportstar scheme helps star athletes of the future like Brett by providing free access to our leisure facilities. We also provide funding through the Chase Sports Council's minor grant aid scheme. The council is committed to encouraging athletes to make the most of their potential and we are watching Brett's progress closely. He could be a real star of the future."
