A multi-discipline target shooting event for young shooters

Background

The National Rifle Association (NRA) are keen to see the sport of target shooting grow, with particular interest in enhancing the offering to Young Shooters – those under the age of 25. We are aware of growing boundaries that limit the participation such as equipment cost, range accessibility and training requirements, and our wider Youth Development Plan aims to support young people in a variety of roles within the sport.

With the decommissioning of the L81A2 Cadet Target Rifle (CTR), effective 1 January 2026, and removal of fullbore shooting as a recognised cadet activity, two of the largest youth focused fullbore target shooting events –  the Inter Services Cadet Rifle Meeting (ISCRM) and the Combined Cadet Forces (CCF) Schools’ Meeting can no longer operate.

The NRA is committed to facilitating a premier fullbore competition for young people in 2026 and are pleased to announce plans for a ‘Youth Imperial Meeting‘ which will take place from Saturday 11th to Thursday 16th July 2026.

The Meeting will offer opportunities for young shooters to participate in a variety of disciplines, in events that acknowledge the history of the CCF Schools Meeting, but also give opportunities to a wider audience. We aim to support all facets of the sport, including team and range management, shooting and coaching.

Eligibility

The Youth Imperial Meeting will be open to any Under 25 (aged 14 to 24 years old), individuals and groups (i.e. scouts, schools, clubs, universities etc.) who meet the following criteria:

– 14-24 (Under 25 as of 11th July 2026)

– Member of the NRA (Junior or Under 21) or an NRA affiliated club

– Hold a valid Shooter Certification Card (SCC)

We expect organisations to participate as groups and operate as such, but the NRA will be offering support to those who wish to compete individually.

Accommodation

Bisley Camp offers options for accommodation and catering, facilitated by the NSC, clubs and Associations. It is the responsibility of those attending to arrange accommodation and catering, but we will work with attendees to support the organisation of these facilities.

Book Accommodation

Programme:

Saturday 11th July 2026 – Sunday 12th July 2026

– Saturday: Individual events will take place that include the opportunity to use the NRA issued firearms with instructors available to guide/coach

– Sunday: Individual competitions in both issued and open classes will take place

Disciplines:

– Sporter Air Rifle

– Gallery Rifle

– Clay Pigeon

– Target Rifle

Monday 13th July 2026 – Thursday 16th July 2026

– Monday: Practise/assessment day, with the opportunity to issue NRA equipment to attendees

– Tuesday & Wednesday: Individual competitions in both issued and open classes at the listed distances

– Thursday: Team (8s, 4s and Pairs) and Individual competitions. To promote youth engagement within the event, where external coaches are permitted, only individuals who are Under 25 alumni of the organisation may act as coaches

Disciplines:

– Target Rifle (300x, 500x and 600x)

Issued & Open Classes:

Open: Use of any personal equipment within the definition of that discipline is permitted. If needed a competitor may use partial ‘issued’ equipment i.e. personal shooting jacket and issued firearm.

Issued: Use of firearms provided by the NRA. Dress: exclusive use of a DPM or MTP jacket (with sling attached) in lieu of a standard shooting jacket for Target Rifle.

The NRA has submitted a bid to the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to obtain a quantity of CTRs with the intention of using them to support youth shooting. A decision from the MoD is not expected until later in the year.

Awards

The NRA hold a large collection of awards and trophies associated with the CCF Schools Meeting. The spirit of the award will be maintained where possible and competitions of historical significance are likely to remain within the original discipline/category. To ensure equal opportunities for all, competitions/awards will be organised for the following classes: Under 25, Under 19 and Under 16.

Two prizegiving’s will be held, one after the conclusion of the weekend events, and another at the end of shooting on Thursday 16th July 2026.

Downloads

Youth Imperial Event Poster – CLICK HERE

Youth Imperial Press Release (03.10.25) – CLICK HERE