Scottish Target Shooting has launched a new national Development Programme, creating a clearer structured development environment for athletes progressing through the Scottish shooting pathway.
Supported by sportscotland Pathway Investment, the initial centrally funded Programme will support eligible Olympic and Paralympic events across Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun.
Applications are open for the first Development Programme intake.
Apply by the deadline to be considered for the first intake.
The first cohort will be selected through the January cycle.
Selection considers the wider athlete - not simply a single competition score.
STS is also recruiting the workforce required to support delivery.
What is the Development Programme?
The Development Programme is designed to bridge the gap between regular club, school, university or other shooting activity and more advanced performance environments.
It will provide structured coaching and development support, helping athletes build the technical foundations, training habits, competition experience and independence needed for the next stage of their development.
The Programme will sit alongside - rather than replace - athletes’ existing personal and club coaching. Where appropriate, Development Coaches will work with athletes and their regular coaches to create a more connected development experience.
Who is it for?
The Programme is aimed at athletes who demonstrate three things:
To develop towards the relevant performance pathway within their discipline.
To purposeful training, learning and continued development.
To engage with structured coaching, Programme activity and agreed expectations.
Selection is about more than scores
Competition results can provide useful evidence, but Development Programme selection will not be based on a single score or performance standard.
STS will consider the athlete more broadly - including their technical development, behaviours, experience, opportunities and readiness to benefit from the Programme.
Applicants may also be invited to take part in a coached assessment, interview or other appropriate selection activity.
Applications are now open
The first Development Programme intake will be selected through the January 2027 Selection Cycle.
Applications must be submitted by:
31 October 2026
STS now operates a shared application process for the Development and Performance Programmes.
Athletes do not need to be certain which Programme is the right fit before applying. The information provided through the application will help STS identify the appropriate route and assess the athlete against the relevant criteria.
Find out more about the Development Programme
Development Programme coaching opportunities
STS is also recruiting the coaching workforce that will support the new Programme.
Development Coaches will lead discipline-specific technical delivery and athlete development while working within the wider STS Programme and maintaining appropriate links with personal and club coaches.
Part of a wider pathway
The Development Programme forms part of the wider STS Pathway Framework currently being developed across Scottish shooting.
The Framework is intended to provide one connected structure across the whole sport, while recognising that different disciplines may require different delivery models, competition structures and routes towards national, GB and international opportunities.
Current sportscotland Pathway Investment directly supports Development Programme provision for eligible Olympic and Paralympic events. Equivalent recognised provision may also be developed for other disciplines where an appropriate athlete group, delivery model, workforce and sustainable funding arrangement can be established.
Consultation on the draft Pathway Framework has now closed. Feedback is being reviewed and will inform the updated Framework, which will be published in due course.