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YOUNG WIRRAL ATHLETE SHOOTING FOR THE STARS WITH GREAT BRITAIN
Patience Wood has recently returned home to the Wirral after placing 9th in the European Indoor Archery Championships in Lasko , Slovenia . At only 15 years , she is one of Britain ’ s top female compound archers , with ambition to become one of the world ’ s best .
She dreamt of representing Great Britain since she began shooting six years ago , and in 2022 she was the youngest competitor in the Youth Division at a tournament ( under 21 ) where 39 nations were represented . Alongside her teammates Grace Chappel and Jenny Bryan ( both age 20 ), Patience secured 4th place for Great Britain in the Compound team event . This was her second International tournament , having won Bronze last summer at the Outdoor European Youth Cup in Romania .
Over the last 6 years , Patience has grown into an outstanding talented archer . Her Cub Scout Leader Jane Richards , an experienced barebow archer , welcomed her to the team at Bebington Archers and nurtured her interest through countless practice sessions at their Birkenhead training unit . Under the capable eye of her Coach Lee Padmore , Patience achieved tremendous success representing Wirral all over the UK and beyond . She represented England in the 2019 Euronations at Stoneleigh Park Coventry , winning Gold , and in the same season became the Under 18 National Clout Champion . Last year , Patience gained the title of under 16 National Champion , shooting three Great British records and receiving the Cheshire Archery Association ’ s ‘ Young Archer of the Year ’ award . These experiences have allowed her to travel independently for the first time , making new friends and developing into a brilliant young woman . Her team , her hometown , and her family are all incredibly proud of her , but Patience remains charmingly modest ( perhaps excruciatingly so ) through even her proudest moments .
The journey began at aged 9 . Patience encountered archery for the first time whilst on a Robin Hood themed Cub camp with her friends at the 64th Birkenhead Sea Scouts . This experience would prove to be a formative , shaping her life in many ways . From those first few arrows it was clear that she had a natural skill and aptitude for the sport . Now age 15 , she is a dedicated young archer , who continues to work tirelessly to improve her talent and to inspire those around her .
A proud pupil at Birkenhead High School Academy , Patience keeps up archery practice alongside studying for her GCSEs . The youngest of five children she continues to surprise her family with her enthusiasm and dedication from helping found the Diversity Club at school to the reading support network she helps to run for children ( like Patience ) with dyslexia . She is a Young Leader at her Cub Scout troop and undoubtedly an inspiration to us all . Patience also facilitates beginner archery sessions as part of the Birkenhead District Scouting Team sharing her knowledge and enthusiasm for the sport .
She could not have achieved such success without the unwavering support from her teachers and head teacher at BHSA , the generosity of Thornton Manor , utilising the grounds with her archery sister and mentor , recurve archer Alexandra Currums and now at Westlake - an autism-friendly equine therapy centre in Cheshire . Without their support , Patience would not be able to maintain the demanding training schedule needed as an elite sportsperson .
Whilst tackling her GCSEs , Patience is focusing her ambitions on representing Great Britain if compound archery becomes part of the Olympics in 2028 . In the meantime , she is hoping to return to Romania this summer for The European Youth Cup and is once again competing in the Senior National Tour , where she placed 20th last year . Other International events on her 2022 calendar include the Berlin Open and Nimes in Southern France .
Our Wirral born International archer is incredibly grateful for the support of her community and is looking for sponsorships to help her continue the journey to the very top . Archery is , unsurprisingly , an expensive sport . All of Patience ’ s tournaments , equipment , travel expenses , and training sessions are self-funded , so further donations through her fundraising page will enable her to carry on shooting for the stars .
To follow Patience Wood ’ s future success or donate please visit https :// www . justgiving . com / crowdfunding / julie-wood-3 ?
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