// JOIN THE TEAM

Join Sarasota Archery Academy

To try out for SAA, email Coach Rob at info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com to schedule an evaluation. The tryout runs as a private lesson — a conversation with the parent and athlete followed by an on-range shooting evaluation. Academy bows are provided, so no equipment is required to try out. Athletes ages 6 and up are eligible; readiness is evaluated case by case. Accepted athletes join either the X-Ring program ($200 / month) or the Upper 12’s elite track ($300 / month). Practice is Monday and Thursday, 5 to 8 PM, at 7524 Castle Dr, Sarasota.

100 PODIUM FINISHES USA ARCHERY JOAD ASA 3D · SHOOTER OF THE YEAR 4 LEVEL-3 NTS COACHES YEAR-ROUND TRAINING AGES 6 AND UP 100 PODIUM FINISHES USA ARCHERY JOAD ASA 3D · SHOOTER OF THE YEAR 4 LEVEL-3 NTS COACHES YEAR-ROUND TRAINING AGES 6 AND UP

// SECTION 01

How do I join Sarasota Archery Academy?

// SECTION 02

What to Expect at Your Tryout

The tryout is intentionally low-pressure. It’s structured as a paid private lesson — the same way a new student would meet any coach — so the athlete gets real coaching value out of the session whether or not they end up joining the team. The format is consistent for everyone:

Email Coach Rob. Send a short note to info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com with the athlete’s name, age, and any prior archery experience. We respond within 48 hours.
Schedule the session. We’ll find a time that works around the regular Monday and Thursday practice schedule. Allow about an hour at the range.
Show up at 7524 Castle Dr, Sarasota. Bring water, closed-toe shoes, and an arm guard if you have one. Don’t worry about a bow — we’ll set you up with academy equipment.
Conversation first. Coach Rob talks with the parent and athlete about goals, schedule, and what the team commitment actually looks like week to week.
On-range evaluation. The athlete shoots while Coach Rob assesses form, focus, and coachability. There is no scoring threshold to pass; this is about fit.
Decision and placement. If it’s a good fit, Coach Rob will recommend either the X-Ring program or the Upper 12’s track based on the athlete’s current level and goals.

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X-Ring & Upper 12’s

$200 / month

The foundational competitive track. Twice-weekly coached practice in USA Archery’s indoor 18-meter and outdoor 720-round formats. X-Ring athletes are eligible for all JOAD achievement awards and are developed toward regional and national tournament participation. Open to athletes ages 6 and up who pass the tryout evaluation.

$300 / month

The elite competitive track. For athletes scoring at the top of their division and pursuing serious national-level competition and college recruitment. Includes more intensive coaching, advanced format work, and tournament preparation. Placement is by Coach Rob’s invitation based on demonstrated performance.

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The Right Fit

SAA is a competitive team, not a recreational class. Athletes who thrive here share a few traits regardless of starting skill level:

Coachable. Open to feedback, willing to make form changes, comfortable being corrected.
Focused. Able to maintain attention through a multi-hour practice and stay engaged on the line.
Committed. Twice-weekly practice (Monday and Thursday, 5 to 8 PM) is the minimum baseline. Tournament weekends are common.
Supported at home. Parents committed to transport and to the schedule. Archery is an individual sport with a team structure — family engagement matters.

Prior archery experience is not required. We accept first-time archers as well as athletes with previous club experience. What we evaluate at the tryout is potential, attitude, and fit — not current scoring.

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Practice Schedule

Monday & Thursday — 5:00 to 8:00 PM

7524 Castle DrSarasota, FL 34240

Team practice by affiliation only. Tryout sessions are scheduled separately.

Where our families come from. Our training facility is in Sarasota, but we draw competitive archers from across Southwest Florida — Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice, Lakewood Ranch, North Port, and the Sarasota Islands.

// SECTION 06

Start the Conversation

Sarasota Archery Academy is Southwest Florida’s only competitive USA Archery training program with Level 3 NTS certified coaching. Tryouts for the 2026 season are open now.

// APPLY

TRYOUT INTEREST FORM.

Tell us a bit about the athlete and we'll be in touch with next tryout details. Coach Rob personally reviews every submission.

// PREFER EMAIL?

EMAIL COACH ROB.

For direct questions, write coach Rob at info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com or call (941) 500-9331.

// COMMON QUESTIONS

FREQUENTLY ASKED.

How do I join Sarasota Archery Academy?+

Email Coach Rob at info@sarasotaarcheryacademy.com to schedule a tryout. The tryout runs as a paid private lesson — a conversation with the parent and athlete followed by an on-range shooting evaluation. Academy bows are provided. Athletes ages 6 and up are eligible. Accepted athletes join either the X-Ring program at $200 per month or the Upper 12's elite track at $300 per month.

Do I need experience to try out for SAA?+

No prior archery experience is required. SAA accepts athletes from first-time archers to experienced competitors. The tryout evaluates potential, focus, and coachability rather than current scoring. Equipment is provided so athletes do not need their own bow.

What does it cost to join Sarasota Archery Academy?+

The X-Ring program is $200 per month. The Upper 12's elite competitive track is $300 per month. Both include twice-weekly coached practice on Monday and Thursday from 5 to 8 PM. The tryout itself is structured as a paid private lesson.

What ages does Sarasota Archery Academy accept?+

Ages 6 and up. Younger athletes are evaluated case by case based on readiness and coachability rather than a hard age cutoff.

// READY?

Start the conversation.

Tryouts are open year-round for athletes ages 6 and up.

APPLY FOR A TRYOUT → CONTACT US