With university term just around the corner, it felt like the perfect time to share a little more about where **She Shoots Collective** really began.
For me, it all started at Hartpury University.
When I arrived at university, I was really keen to get involved in clay shooting, but quickly realised there wasn’t a shooting club for me to join. So, instead of giving up on the idea, I decided to start one from scratch.
What began as a simple idea ended up becoming one of the best parts of my university experience.
Every Wednesday, we would head down to the shooting ground. Some weeks it would be familiar faces, other weeks someone completely new would come along, and before long we had built this brilliant little community of people who all shared the same interest.
Those Wednesday afternoons gave me some of my favourite university memories. It wasn’t just about shooting — it was about meeting new people, having something to look forward to each week and being part of a group where friendships formed so naturally.
Then there were the university competitions.
We travelled to compete against other universities, met shooting clubs from across the country and, in true university shooting style, many of the competitions were followed by a black-tie dinner and dance afterwards — which was always just as much fun as the shooting itself!
Looking back, those years really planted the seed for what would eventually become She Shoots Collective.
I saw first-hand how shooting can bring people together. You don’t have to arrive knowing everyone, you don’t have to be the best shot and you certainly don’t need years of experience. Sometimes you just need to turn up.
So, if you’re heading to university this September, one piece of advice from me: **find your university clay shooting club at Freshers’ Fair and give it a go.**
Even if you have never picked up a shotgun before, go along to a taster session. You might discover a new hobby, compete for your university, travel to some amazing shooting grounds and, most importantly, make friends you might never have met otherwise.
And if your university doesn’t have a club?
Maybe start one.
You never know where it might lead. 🩷
