Hitting the Bullseye: Your Guide to the JOAD Program and College Archery

Jaypee A • May 20, 2025

Hitting the Bullseye: Your Guide to the JOAD Program and College Archery

Ever dreamt of becoming the next Katniss Everdeen or Legolas? Or maybe you just love the focus and discipline that archery requires. Either way, if you're a young archer (or the parent of one!), you need to know about JOAD – the Junior Olympic Archery Development program.

Here's what makes JOAD awesome:

  • Learn from the Best: JOAD clubs are run by certified coaches who teach proper technique, safety, and all the archery fundamentals.
  • Find Your Tribe: It's a great way to meet other archers, make friends, and be part of a supportive community.
  • Level Up Your Skills: JOAD has a structured achievement award program that motivates you to progress and reach new goals.
  • Compete (if you want to!): JOAD offers opportunities to compete at local, state, and even national levels.


Think College Archery? JOAD is Your Starting Point!

Now, here's the really exciting part: JOAD can help you get into college AND earn scholarships! Many colleges and universities have archery teams, and they often look for athletes with JOAD experience.


Resources to Help You Aim High:

  • USA Archery JOAD Program- This is your go-to source for all things JOAD. Find clubs near you, learn about the achievement program, and get the latest news.
  • USA Archery Collegiate Archery Program - Explore college archery opportunities, find schools with teams, and learn about the collegiate archery circuit.
  • Archery 360 - This website is a fantastic resource for archers of all levels, with articles, tips, and information about all aspects of archery.
  • How to Get a College Archery Scholarship - This article provides valuable advice on how to increase your chances of getting an archery scholarship.

Beyond the Target:

JOAD is about more than just hitting the bullseye. It's about developing valuable life skills:

  • Focus and Concentration: Archery requires intense focus, which can translate to better performance in school and other areas of life.
  • Discipline and Self-Control: Archery teaches you to control your mind and body, which are essential skills for success in anything you do.
  • Goal Setting and Perseverance: The JOAD achievement program encourages you to set goals and work hard to achieve them.
  • Confidence and Self-Esteem: As you improve your skills and see your progress, your confidence will soar.

Ready to Take Aim?

If you're ready to embark on your archery journey, find a JOAD club near you and get started! It's an adventure that could lead you to new friendships, exciting competitions, and maybe even a college scholarship. So grab your bow and arrow, and let's hit the target!


🎯 Watch This to Get Started:
For a comprehensive overview of the JOAD program, check out this introductory video by USA Archery:

This video provides insights into how the JOAD program helps youth get involved in archery, highlighting the skills and opportunities it offers.

Meet Yale, Nogin

Head Coach NTS Level 4 

Yale Nogin, Head Coach and founder of Atlanta Archery Club, has 35+ years of archery experience and 8 years of teaching. A USA Archery NTS Level 4 Coach, he blends archery with chiropractic and yoga, inspiring all ages to develop lifelong skills.

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Cultivating an Archery Mindset with Self-Kindness and Mindfulness

By Jaypee A • June 17, 2025
🎥 Watch the full video now: 👉 Engage the Practice of Being Kind to Yourself | Atlanta Archery Club

Ladies, Take Aim! Why Archery is the Perfect Sport for Women and Girls

By Jaypee A • June 4, 2025
Ladies, Take Aim! Why Archery is the Perfect Sport for Women and Girls Hey there, fellow archers and aspiring arrow-slingers! It’s me, Sarah, and I’m here to share why archery for women and girls isn’t just a sport — it’s a total game changer. Now, I know what you might be thinking: "Archery? Isn’t that kind of medieval?" or "But I’m not exactly Katniss Everdeen..." Let me tell you — archery is anything but outdated , and you don’t need to be a superhero to fall in love with it. Empowerment Through Archery: Feel Strong, Focused, and Fierce There’s something powerful about picking up a bow and taking aim. Whether you're hitting bullseyes or just starting out, archery empowers women with: Strength and confidence Mental focus and control A sense of accomplishment You’ll learn to trust yourself and your instincts — and that kind of strength carries over into all aspects of life. Leveling the Playing Field: Why Archery Welcomes All Unlike many sports, archery doesn’t depend on size, speed, or brute strength . What matters most? Technique - Focus - Consistency. That’s why girls and women can excel at all levels , from beginner practice to national competitions. In archery, everyone truly competes on equal ground. Skills That Stick: Confidence, Discipline, and Focus Learning to shoot a bow teaches more than target skills. You gain life skills like: Patience Perseverance Focus under pressure Whether you’re tackling school, work, or life challenges, archery builds mental resilience you’ll carry forever. Archery Builds Confidence — One Arrow at a Time Each time you step up to the line, you grow. As your aim improves, so does your self-esteem. You begin to believe in your abilities — not just at the range, but in everything you do. Confidence and self-worth? That’s a pretty sweet bonus. A Sisterhood of Support: Women in the Archery Community The archery community for women and girls is inspiring and welcoming. At local clubs, JOAD programs, and competitions, you’ll find: Encouraging mentors Motivated peers Lifelong friendships You’ll never feel like you’re on this journey alone.
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