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Promoting Youth Success in Shooting Sports: USA Clay Target League in Collaboration with the NRA Foundation

The NRA Foundation financially backs the USA Clay Target League's national and state competitions and also sponsors numerous local teams.

Youth Achievement Boost: USA Clay Target League in Collaboration with NRA Foundation
Youth Achievement Boost: USA Clay Target League in Collaboration with NRA Foundation

Promoting Youth Success in Shooting Sports: USA Clay Target League in Collaboration with the NRA Foundation

The USA Clay Target Shooting League, a non-profit organisation, is providing opportunities for tens of thousands of students who might not have had them otherwise. With over 53,000 student athletes participating in 2024, the league is America's largest youth clay target shooting sport program.

John Nelson, President of the USA Clay Target Shooting League, leads the organisation in its mission to foster a love for the outdoors and promote personal growth among young participants. One such programme is the Lake Land College clay target shooting program, which encourages students to attend shooting clinics and work on improving their technique.

Joshua Fulk, the head instructor of the Lake Land program, emphasises the importance of student determination in improving their skills. He believes that the programme not only helps students excel in the sport but also encourages an interest in outdoor activities and public lands preservation.

The NRA Foundation, committed to investing in the next generation of America's leaders, has provided significant support to the USA Clay Target League. In 2024, over $7.5 million was awarded by the NRA Foundation to youth programs for more than 2,060 grants. The Foundation funds many local teams within the league, as well as providing grant support for the league's state and national tournaments.

Ruthann Sprague, assistant director of NRA Foundation Grant Outreach and Strategy, expresses pride in supporting the USA Clay Target League and their youth programs. She believes that the league's efforts to promote responsibility, sportsmanship, and safety are invaluable.

Participation in the USA Clay Target League is associated with better grades, higher graduation rates, and increased likelihood of attending college. Maintaining good grades is emphasised in the Lake Land College program, as it opens opportunities for students.

Beyond team placement and skill development, students also learn safety and marksmanship in the Lake Land College program. The programme's focus on safety and responsibility mirrors the values promoted by the NRA Foundation.

In addition to Lake Land College, the NRA Foundation provided a grant to support the clay target shooting program at Mattoon's Lake Land College. This grant will help the college continue to provide opportunities for students to learn and grow through the sport.

In 2024, more than 1,800 high school, college, and homeschool teams were involved in the USA Clay Target League. More than 9,000 of the 2024 student athletes were first-time clay-target participants, demonstrating the league's success in introducing young people to the sport.

The USA Clay Target Shooting League, with the support of the NRA Foundation, is making a significant impact on the lives of thousands of students across America. Through their commitment to safety, sportsmanship, and personal growth, they are helping to shape the next generation of leaders.

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