Dear UKPSA Members and Supporters,

As we step into 2025, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past year and share plans and opportunities for the year ahead.

Despite initial predictions that 2024 would be a quiet or “fallow” year, it proved to be anything but. Thanks to the dedication of our clubs, organisers, and athletes, it became a year packed with competitions, training, and international representation. This momentum carries us into 2025, a year brimming with opportunities both in GB and internationally. 

A Thrilling Year Ahead

This year, the UKPSA Clubs will be hosting one Level 2 and four Level 3 Shotgun competitions, complemented by three warm-up events for Mini Rifle World Shoot and a Level 3 later in the year, also there are three level 2 LBP/LBR comps. Please check the calendar on the UKPSA website for details of all the competitions.

On the international stage, 2025 features four major Level 4/5 competitions:

• Mini Rifle world shoot in Czech Republic,
• European Shotgun Championship in Hungary,
• Handgun world shoot in South Africa,
• Actionair World shoot in Philippines.

The UKPSA is proud to send teams and individual competitors to all four events. These teams will include the GB’s finest athletes, showcasing their expertise, but we are equally committed to supporting competitors who wish to develop their skills and gain international experience by sending individuals as slot places allow. This aligns with our charitable objective of fostering growth and excellence within our sport.

The Mini Rifle teams have already been announced as well as the slots offered to individuals. The ESC Shotgun teams announcement is also imminent now that we have received our slot allocations.

Addressing Challenges

One of the significant challenges we face is the proposed lead ban, which threatens the future of all shooting sports in the UK. As per my previous message to the membership, the UKPSA is actively implementing a plan to influence these proposals, ensuring our voice is heard by key decision-makers. We will continue to advocate for practical solutions that preserve the integrity of our sport.

Additionally, the rising costs associated with our sport (ie travel) are a hurdle many competitors face together with a history of lack of ranges. The UKPSA is committed to supporting clubs by helping develop ranges and facilities, ensuring that more venues are available to train and host events. These efforts are vital to making our sport accessible and sustainable for everyone.

Enhancing Support and Recognition

We’ve launched a new website to make it easier than ever to find information about competitions, training, and events. It’s a resource designed with our members in mind, streamlining communication and helping you stay connected with everything UKPSA.

It’s also exciting to see more GB athletes gaining international recognition, with a number of athletes receiving UK and International sponsorships that highlight the talent within our region. This puts the Great Britain region firmly on the global map and serves as inspiration for all our members aiming to compete at the highest levels.

Closing Thoughts

As we move into 2025, I want to thank everyone in our community for their hard work and passion. The UKPSA exists because of you—our members, competitors, organisers, and supporters. Let’s continue to build on our successes, embrace the challenges, and make this year a remarkable one for IPSC disciplines in Great Britain.

Here’s to a busy, competitive, and rewarding 2025. See you on the range!

DVC, Kevin Strowger

Regional Director, UKPSA IPSC Great Britain