This one’s been a little while in the making, but it’s absolutely worth the wait. In this two-part episode, we sit down with Dannie Palmer and Unstrung Archery Ambassador Stewart Ward to unpack their experience at the National Teams Championships — from the build-up and preparation, through the pressures of shooting at that level, to the moments that really test you on the line.

We talk mindset, teamwork, and what it’s like performing when the margins are razor-thin, all culminating in an unforgettable result: taking gold in the Compound Mixed Team event. It’s a story about trust, composure, and doing the work when it matters most — and what that win meant to them both once the dust settled.

Woah, woah, woah — hang on a minute! This isn’t your usual Unstrung Archery episode… It’s a special bonus drop because we’ve got BIG news.

The Unstrung Archery Postal League (UAPL) is officially live for the 2025/26 season! Running from November to March, it’s just £2 per entry, and you can shoot from your home club while being part of a national (and hopefully international!) competition.

In this announcement episode:

• Nye takes us back to the old MBA Postal League.

• Neil shares why we relaunched the league under the Unstrung brand.

• And we unveil something new for this season… the Team Format! 🏹

Perfect for clubs, friends, or ragtag crews of archers, the team format adds an extra layer of fun and camaraderie.

👉 Find out more: www.unstrungarchery.co.uk/postal
👉 Enter here: Postal League Entry Form

So what are you waiting for? Get your arrows ready, spread the word at your club, and let’s make this postal season the biggest yet.

In this episode of Unstrung Archery, Neil Hickman and Nye O’Neil are joined by Jesse Phillips, scout leader and passionate archer, to dive into the world of archery within scouting. Together, they explore how the sport can help young people build confidence, focus, and resilience, all while fostering teamwork and camaraderie.

Jesse shares stories from their experience leading scouts in archery, offering practical insights on introducing the sport safely and effectively, and highlighting the ways Scouts and Archery GB can work together to create meaningful experiences. From fun outdoor challenges to structured skill development, this conversation uncovers how archery can inspire and empower youth in a scouting environment.

Whether you’re a scout leader, parent, or archer, you’ll gain a fresh perspective on how archery can complement scouting, nurture personal growth, and create lasting memories for young people.

Tune in to hear:

• How archery teaches focus, patience, and resilience

• The benefits of integrating archery into scouting programs

• Practical advice for leaders introducing archery to their groups

• Inspiring stories of scouts discovering new skills and confidence

Connect with Jesse Phillips: @jessedoesarchery

In this powerhouse episode of Unstrung Archery, Neil Hickman and Nye O’Neil sit down with none other than Patrick Huston OLY — two-time Olympian, GB team legend, and now a pioneer in online archery education.

We dive into Patrick’s new “3D Aiming” course and the philosophy behind it, before branching into an honest and insightful chat about the real challenges archers face — from beginner pitfalls to the pressure cooker of elite competition. Expect wisdom, war stories, technical gold, and a fair few mic-drop moments.

Whether you’re stringing your first bow or chasing podiums, this is one episode you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Topics include:

• What 3D Aiming actually is — and why it matters

• Patrick’s personal journey through the ranks to the Olympic stage

• The biggest mistakes beginners make (and how to avoid them)

• Mindset, form, and how to train with purpose

🔗 Check out Patrick’s course and more at:

https://hustonarcheryschool.com/3d-aiming-6099

In this episode of Unstrung Archery, Neil Hickman and Nye O’Neil are joined by fellow Archery GB Ambassador Mandie Elson, who’s been making waves through her volunteer work and community outreach.

From supporting the British Transplant Games to working on making archery more inclusive for the Deaf community, Mandie shares her experiences, the lessons she’s learned, and what drives her passion for making our sport more accessible to all.

We talk about:

• Volunteering at the British Transplant Games

• Breaking down barriers in archery for Deaf participants

• Using BSL, bean bags, and coloured flags as communication tools

• The role of Archery GB Ambassadors in shaping the future of the sport

• Why inclusion isn’t a bonus—it’s the foundation

Mandie’s work is a reminder that small actions can lead to big change and that the line between participation and exclusion can sometimes be bridged with nothing more than creativity, empathy, and a willingness to try.

🏹 Get in touch with Mandie:

📧 [email protected]🌐 www.absolutearchery.uk

In this episode of Unstrung Archery, Nye and Neil recap the West of Scotland Indoor Championships held at the Sportscotland National Sports Training Centre in Inverclyde. Day 1 featured a Double Portsmouth, while Day 2 brought the heat with the Vegas and WA18 rounds.

Nye caught up with Linda (Bloom in Fitness) and Jonny (Scottish Archery) for their thoughts on the action, and had a great chat with Andy and Linda from the Western Isles about their journey and the archery scene in the islands.

We’ll also look ahead to upcoming competitions, highlight an unsung hero, and keep you in the loop with all things archery. Plus, we’re giving a big shoutout to Build4Better, a fantastic charity event organized by Twitch streamer Luna_Cupcake, where content creators are coming together to build something amazing while raising money for SpecialEffect.

Grab your bow and join us for another great episode!* 🎧🏹

🎮 Build4Better Details:

• Dates: 11th – 14th April

• Charity: SpecialEffect – helping people with disabilities play video games.

• Where to Watch: Tune in to Luna_Cupcake’s Twitch channel for all the action!

Saddle up for an exhilarating ride as Unstrung Archery ventures into the thrilling world of horseback archery! In this episode, Neil and Nye are joined by John and Lauran, both accomplished coaches with the British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA) and Team GB representatives.

Horseback archery isn’t just archery on horseback—it’s an entirely different discipline that blends speed, precision, and horsemanship. We dive into:
🏹 Equipment & Shooting Styles: How does horseback archery differ from target shooting? What kind of bows and gear are used?
🐎 Horsemanship: How do you balance riding and shooting? Can you really master both?
🌍 International Competition: What’s it like representing GB in horseback archery competitions?
📚 Getting Started: Curious about trying it yourself? Discover resources to kick off your journey—including a handy book one of our guests may have written!
🏆 Awards & Progression: Forget your 252 badges—find out about the unique achievements in horseback archery!

We’d also like to give a special shoutout to Lauran’s sponsors: Castlemilk & Corrie Estates for supporting her journey in this incredible sport.

🎧 Tune in now for a conversation packed with passion, practical advice, and a few surprises along the way!

Welcome back to Unstrung Archery! Season 2 kicks off with an exciting deep dive into the Northern England University Archery League (NEUAL). Joining us is Philip Taylor, a key figure in university archery, to explore how NEUAL has shaped the student archery scene, fostered competitive spirit, and provided a gateway for new archers.

We discuss the league’s history and its impact on mainstream competition. Whether you're a student archer, a seasoned competitor, or just curious about the world of university archery, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss!

🎧 Tune in now and let’s get Season 2 off to a flying start!

In this heartwarming and insightful episode of Unstrung Archery, Neil and Nye are joined by Manisha Solomon, host of the Archery Parent Podcast and proud parent of Reece, an international recurve archer representing Team Canada. Together, they explore the unique challenges and joys of raising a junior archer, offering practical advice and personal stories to guide parents through every stage of the journey.

From managing growth spurts and navigating the expense of ever-changing equipment to keeping the archery experience positive during slumps, Manisha shares her hard-earned wisdom. They also discuss topics like keeping juniors fueled during competitions, traveling to events, and encouraging friendships and other interests outside the sport.

Manisha highlights the importance of being a kind, supportive presence, even when things aren’t going well. She offers tips on how to avoid over-questioning after tough days, how to know when your child is ready for the next level, and how to create a balanced and healthy environment for growth.

Whether you're a parent of an aspiring archer or a fan of the sport, this episode is packed with practical tips, humour, and heartfelt stories. Plus, check out The Archery Parent Podcast for even more insights from Manisha on supporting young athletes!

https://archeryparentpodcast.ca

https://unstrungarchery.co.uk

In this heartwarming and giggle-filled episode of Unstrung Archery, we sit down with two rising stars in the archery world—Isla and Emelia. At just a young age, they’ve already made their mark, moving swiftly from beginners to champions, and we couldn’t wait to hear their story.

We dive into their early days, uncovering what sparked their passion for archery and their first arrow-shooting memories (spoiler: it’s not as easy as they make it look now!). They share insights into their rapid progress, the challenges they faced, and the moments they knew they were on the path to greatness.

Isla and Emelia open up about competing at the JNOC, the nerves, the excitement, and the routines that keep them grounded. From balancing school and friends with their rigorous training schedules to dreaming of future achievements—maybe even the Olympics—they show us the determination, focus, and humour it takes to succeed.

Of course, it’s not all serious talk. From imagining archery targets shaped like marshmallows to discussing the undeniable magic of ice cream and bacon butties, this episode is packed with personality. The Quick Fire Round is a highlight, with rapid answers revealing their favourite post-shoot snacks, dream shooting locations, and even what their bows might say if they could talk.

Whether you’re a seasoned archer or just curious about the sport, Isla and Emelia’s journey will leave you inspired, entertained, and maybe even craving a marshmallow target of your own. Don’t miss this peek into the lives of two young champions!