At just 16 years old, Burton Borough School student Lewis Bodkin is poised to represent Great Britain on the international stage, but he needs the community's support to make his dream a reality. This summer, Lewis will proudly compete in the European Youth Cup in Slovenia, marking his debut international competition with Archery GB.
Lewis's journey to elite archery is a testament to his extraordinary dedication. Currently ranked an impressive 2nd in the UK in the Men’s U18 Recurve category, his success is the culmination of years of rigorous, disciplined training. This commitment has run alongside the demanding schedule of completing his GCSEs at Burton Borough School. Furthermore, Lewis is a promising talent on the Archery GB Olympic Pathway, with his sights potentially set on the 2028 or 2032 Olympic Games.
"This is a monumental achievement for Lewis, and something we, as a family, are incredibly proud of," shared Lewis's family. "However, the opportunity to compete at this elite international level comes with substantial financial challenges."
Unlike many sports, archery at this competitive tier is largely self-funded. The estimated cost for the Slovenia trip alone is a significant £1,800. This figure does not even account for the essential specialized kit, travel gear, and the ongoing, year-round coaching, equipment maintenance, and sport-specific support that runs into many thousands of pounds annually.
To help transform this remarkable opportunity into a tangible reality for Lewis, his family has launched a Crowdfunder campaign. They are reaching out to the local community, appealing for support from individuals and businesses who share their desire to see a homegrown talent flourish on the international stage.
"We're asking for the community to rally behind Lewis," the family urges. "Every donation, every share of his story, and every message of encouragement makes a profound difference."
This is a unique chance for Newport to invest in a young athlete with immense potential. With a little help from his community, Lewis Bodkin could very well be one of the Olympic hopefuls we all cheer for in the coming years, bringing pride to our town and country.
Let’s help Lewis hit the gold — both on and off the field.
Support Lewis’s journey here.
