“We walked into those ranges with more than rifles and pistols – we carried a year’s worth of grit, growth, and the Billesley spirit. Every shot reflected our hard work, discipline, and determination we have shown throughout the year.” – Dylan H

A year ago, we stood shoulder to shoulder at the annual Waterloo Scout Shooting Competition, bright-eyed and fired up. We earned our place on the leaderboard, but we left with something bigger – a mission.

If you read last year’s blog post, you’ll remember how proud we were of all of our teams finishing scores, our first-time shooters getting scores of over 40’s in air and springer rifle, and the unforgettable moment Paige S scored her first bullseye in archery. That experience didn’t end in 2024 – it set the stage for everything we’ve accomplished this year.

2025: The Comeback Year

Fast forward to June 2025, and Billesley Shooting Club returned to Waterloo not as hopefuls – but as contenders.

Our Results This Year:

This year’s competition was tougher than ever, it has been a whirlwind of events with competitors from Derby, Wales, Chester and as far as Scotland. Here are some of the best results from each of our attendees:

Under 12s (49 competitors):
Nathan M – 5th Place in 6 yard springer pistols

Under 18s (108 competitors):
Charlie S – 34th place in the field targets
Eric S – 29th place in the 6 yard springer rifles
Dylan H – 8th place in the crossbows
Tanya H – 13th place in the 6 yard air rifles

Over 18s (61 competitors)
Andrew H – 8th place in the field targets
Paige S – BRONZE medel in the archery!

We didn’t just improve- we doubled down on training, focus, and unity. What changed? We remembered how we shoot: stance, breathing, discipline, camaraderie, and personal excellence.

Reflections from the Firing Line

“This weekend was my first shooting competition and I was more than happy with my result, I was worried at first but then the nerves soon went when I was on the firing line.” – Nathan M

“This weekend was my 3rd year of the Waterloo competition and I feel better than ever, I have improved massively and have grown so much within the shooting community.” – Tanya H

Behind the Scenes: Training, Mentorship & Mindset

After last year’s competition, our team didn’t rest. We built a training plan inspired by our 2024 lessons:

Weekly precision shooting practice with local mentors, visualisation and breathing – working on techniques taught by Peter “Sparks” Westwood and Andrew “Akela” Head. Peer mentorship – seasonal shooters like Dylan and Tanya coached first-timers like Nathan and Dan. We turned every session into a stepping stone, every missed shot into a lesson.

Why It Matters

Shooting isn’t just about hitting targets – it’s about developing the confidence to stand tall under pressure, the focus to drown out noise, and the discipline to keep improving, one pellet at a time. This competition brought out the best in our Scouts. It reminded us that Billesley doesn’t just participate – we compete with heart.

As always, a great place to go; and winning a medal each time we have been is the cherry on top. I have loved every moment – it’s the highlight of my year! – Paige Styles

What’s Next? Join Us.

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to hold your breath, align your sights, and hear your teammates cheer as your shot lands dead-centre – this is your sign.

Whether you’re a total beginner or a returning shooter, or want to improve your skills for your Duke of Edinburgh Award, we want you on the line with us next year:

• Sign up for any taster sessions within our group.
• Follow 1st Billesley Scouts on Facebook and Instagram to see what we’re up to.
• Watch the website for any blog posts on the shooting club.

Final Thoughts

“What an incredible weekend! After 14 weeks of hard work and dedication, our young people gave it their all – and the results speak for themselves. Their determination and team spirit have truly paid off, and we couldn’t be prouder. A huge thank you to all the parents for your continued support throughout the journey. Your encouragement has made a real difference. Well done, everyone – you’ve done us all proud!” – Andrew “Akela” Head

Waterloo 2025 wasn’t just a competition. It was a statement: The 325th Birmingham, Billesley Shooting Club is here – focused, fearless, and ready for the next round.