Arrows in Ardwick: Manchester’s latest sporting craze combines archery and paintballing

In the sea of escape rooms, trampoline parks and axe throwing venues scattered across the city, The Archertype is bringing something unique to the leisure scene that all the family can enjoy.

Combining archery with paintballing, the Archertype is family sporting fun at its finest.

“The idea already exists in overseas markets, Canada, America and Australia,” says Archertype founder Timothy Wan, “but nothing of its kind really existed in the UK so even though there are archery tag organisers, there isn’t a purpose-built facility that offers this kind of experience – until now”.

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Each game is facilitated by an Archertype trainer who will set up a variety of game modes and challenges for each group using bows and foam tipped arrows, as well as the safety equipment provided.

A normal session lasts for 75 minutes and that includes a health and safety demonstration, followed by some practice time in the training area before heading to the battle arena to put your skills to the test.

“We have lots of wow factor features in the venue. We have a dedicated entrance with our logo incorporated into it so when guests enter it feels like they’re entering a battleground and we have an armoury where guests get kitted out, and our shooting range for practice. It really does feel like it’s an experience rather than just a sport you go and play.

“People are really enjoying the game and say they’ve have never done anything like it before. It’s a really great feeling to hear that all of our hard work is really paying off and we’re excited for the future.”

But does it hurt?

“People ask me all the time and the answer is no, it really doesn’t hurt. People think paintball hurts a lot which it does. But with our game you know you’ve been hit but the sponge tip stops it from hurting. It’s like being hit with a bean bag.”

Whether you want a big family outing with your nearest and dearest, or you’ve not made plans for the week ahead and are scrambling for something to do, sessions can be played with groups or you can team up with other solo archery taggers, so there’s really no excuse.

Normal game costs are £20 per person and that covers all your gear, training and game play. All gaming slots are the same price – they don’t increase the price at peak times.

The more people there are, the cheaper it is. For groups of 6-9 players, the cost is £20 per person. For groups of 10-14 players, it costs £18 per person, and for 15 or more players it’s £16 per person. And if you’re a student it’s just £15 flat. All you have to do is show your student ID.

The Archertype is open 12pm-9pm Monday to Friday and between 9am and 10pm on Saturdays.

Unit 10A, 37 – 49 Devonshire Street North, Ardwick, M12 6JR. 

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