The Team

We have a small friendly team of instructors so you may variously come across Heidi, Leander, Aisha, Gemma, Austin or Asher (or any combination thereof!) leading your session.

 

We all have a lot of experience at instructing archery and have a range of qualifications – including archery leaders courses, Archery GB Level 1, Level 2, first aid training and specialist courses in coaching the disabled. We all have enhanced CRB certificates.

Heidi Nicholl

I set up 2020 Archery in 2008 having learnt archery and shot with Hampstead Bowmen since around 2003. I don’t have much time to shoot any more but when I get the chance I shoot a W&W ExFeel recurve bow or my exceedingly inaccurate longbow.

I am a Level 2 qualified coach and I have been London County Coaching Officer 2009 – 2010. As well as running the business I use my PhD teaching medical ethics and law part-time at UCL medical school and at City University.

I have a very garish camper van covered in advertising for the business which I am very fond of.. I recently achieved my one star kayak certificate having been submerged fully clothed in the Thames twice. In March.

Aisha Zeina

Aisha has been working as an instructor for 2020 Archery since March 2009. One of our first instructors Aisha has a lot of experience teaching children and now runs her own junior club and archery party business called Young Archers. She recently finished her Level 1 coaching qualification. Aisha first started coaching archery whilst working as an outdoor education instructor on the Isle of Wight back in 2005. As well as archery Aisha does a lot of yoga of all types, is a keen climber and occasionally kayaks.

Aisha coaches the Wednesday and Saturday beginner courses (with assistance from Heidi and Asher) and also runs the Thursday evening youth sessions at the Fisher Youth Club with Leander. She is social secretary for the club a role for which she has a lot of enthusiasm!

Leander Pittis

Definitely the best archer amongst the team Lee is also a Level 1 coach and a member of the Middlesex County team. Lee has been shooting for about 6 years and was the first member of staff at 2020 starting in February 2009. Lee is a hugely popular instructor with endless time and patience for beginners. As he has just become a Dad for the first time Lee is taking a break from teaching beginners courses but you will still see him around on the larger corporate events that we do. Lee also coaches the Fisher Youth club sessions with Aisha every Thursday evening.

Austin O’Connor

Austin runs most of our small events at T47. You’ll also find him covering beginners courses and occasional youth sessions when the others are unavailable. Multi-talented Austin has made or adapted most of the stands and equipment that we use. As Austin does most of our silver package events he comes across a lot of stag dos. This is the favourite photo that has ever been taken at the club….

Austin will be taking his Level 1 coach assessment in 2011.

Gemma Curtis

Gemma has worked as an instructor for 2020 since Summer 2009. She has an archery leaders award and has many years teaching experience as an outdoor pursuits instructor. Gemma is currently completing her physiotherapy degree and is also very involved with the SkyRide cycling project. For this reason Gemma doesn’t have a regular shift with 2020 but you will see her popping up on our larger events and covering for others. Gemma is a very very good archer with a Portsmouth PB of 550+. We are highly impressed. She won the Novice Ladies gold medal in the London Indoor County Championship last year and very proud of her we are too!

Asher Smiley

Asher is the newest member of our team. You’ll find him shooting every Wed and Sat as well as collecting the shooting fees, co-ordinating membership and Archery GB subs and generally being friendly and helpful. He assists with the Wed beginners course and will cover some classes as he gets more experience coaching. Asher sometimes runs silver events at T47 and will be taking his Level 1 assessment this year. Ash shot as a child in his native California and re-started with 2020 in 2011. As well as archery Asher is committed to krav maga – self defence and fighting – which he practices at least twice a week.

I couldn’t find a photo of Asher shooting but I’ve managed to find one of him with the Bay Bridge (San Francisco) and a giant arrow in the background. Asher is enthusiastic about – but not very good at – table tennis.