SCTP Kicks Off New Season

If its first event of the new season is any indication, the National Shooting Sports Foundation’s (NSSF) Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) is in for a big year. SCTP kicked off its third season in January with a hugely successful regional invitational competition at the Las Vegas Trapshooting Club. More than 130 young trap shooters representing 11 clubs in five Western states competed in the event, which was organized by Nevada state director Linda Hand.

That’s double the number of participants of last year’s event. The program closed out last year with 3,800 participants—a 20-percent increase over the previous year.

Developed in partnership with shooting-sports governing bodies, SCTP includes skeet, trap, and sporting-clays teams and helps to bring hundreds of new, young faces to ranges and clubs across the country. "We are confident that this program will continue to grow significantly this year," said Scott Moore, (NSSF) director of promotions and special events. "The number of inquiries we’re receiving from potential coaches has increased dramatically.

With the commitment of our partners, the ATA, NSSA, and NSCA, and the dedication and enthusiasm of many, many volunteers across the country, SCTP has a bright future." SCTP emphasizes safety, responsibility and good citizenship, as well as skill development. Based on SCTP’s success, NSSF introduced the Scholastic Rifle Program last year. SRP is partnering with groups that have rifle programs, such as the 4-H, FFA, VFW, Jaycees, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Recognizing the tremendous positive impact that NSSF’s Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP) has already had on the shooting sports in less than three years, a growing number of NSSF member companies are lending their support. The most recent of these is Sigarms, which has joined SCTP as an industry partner and is offering a unique fund-raising opportunity for SCTP teams.

For a limited time, the company is making selected models of its Aurora TR over/under shotguns available to the teams at special pricing for fundraising purposes. Several other industry partners participate in SCTP’s Support Package for new teams, including Remington, Federal, Fiocchi and Winchester, which are the program’s official ammunition suppliers. White Flyer and Remington are the program’s official target suppliers.

Created in 2001, SCTP is helping to bring a youthful look to ranges and gun clubs across the country. Designed to provide an "entry point" into the shooting sports with teams, coaches, and a competition framework, the program is now active in 40 states with nearly 500 teams. The NSSF and its partners in SCTP deserve the thanks of everyone in the industry for a job well done. Editor Keith Lawrence Technical