JAMESTOWN, N.D. (NewsDakota.com) – The Jamestown Public School District will see the formation of a new youth archery club.

Formed by Michael Smith, physical education teacher at the Jamestown Middle School, the Jamestown Youth Archery Club will operate as a non-curricular club, which will not receive funding support from the district.

“The Jamestown Youth Archery Club will provide an opportunity for Jamestown Public School students to participate in the National Archery in the Schools (NASP) program,” Smith says in the club application. “Activities will consist of archery practice and competing in National Archery in the Schools tournaments.”

Smith says the club may meet twice weekly during the NASP tournament season, which runs December through late April.

“Eventually, the club may expand to attend other local archery shoots other than NASP tournaments,” Smith explains.

Smith says they will focus on extending the school into the National Archery in the School program, taught in the JPS Physical Education classes and expand to an after school program to practice and compete in local, state, and possibly national competitions.

“Our goals are aimed at improving education performance among students in grades 4th through 12th to learn focus, self-control, discipline, patience, and the life lessons required to be successful in the classroom and in life.”

The group is looking to begin in the 2020-2021 season with a tournament for fundraising efforts. According to the Jamestown Public School board, Smith has raised more than $10,000 through donations and grants to start the program in the school.

Smith will help coordinate the club with parent Gaylord Hibl.