At Jacksonville Clay Target Sports, supporting the next generation of shooters is an important part of the club’s mission. The club is committed to creating opportunities for young athletes to learn the fundamentals of clay target shooting in a safe, structured, and encouraging environment. Through youth-focused initiatives, students are able to develop valuable skills such as discipline, focus, responsibility, and teamwork while gaining experience on the range.
One of the ways JCTS accomplishes this is by supporting and hosting the Jax Clay Target Busters, a youth team that provides young athletes with opportunities to learn and compete in clay target shooting.The Clay Target Busters operate as part of the Scholastic Clay Target Program (SCTP), a national youth development program that introduces students to shotgun sports in a safe and educational setting. The program emphasizes responsibility, teamwork, and discipline alongside skill development on the range.
Practices and training sessions take place at Jacksonville Clay Target Sports’ well-equipped facilities, giving students the opportunity to practice on a professional-level course. As athletes grow more comfortable with the sport, many also participate in SCTP competitions at the local, regional, and national levels. These events allow students to test their abilities while representing their team and gaining valuable competitive experience.
JCTS works hard to ensure the program remains accessible to interested students. The club covers each participant’s $25 annual SCTP membership fee, helping remove one potential barrier to entry. Additional support comes from an NRA Youth Clay Sports Development Grant, which helps offset the cost of targets and ammunition so that participants can practice and compete without significant expense.
For students who are new to the sport and may not yet own their own equipment, JCTS also provides youth shotguns, ensuring that any interested participant has the opportunity to get involved.
The Jax Clay Target Busters are led by a dedicated coaching staff committed to mentoring young athletes. The team is headed by Head Coach Hector Rangel, captain of the Jacksonville University Shooting Team, along with assistant coaches Kaylee Joseph, Samantha McInteer, Neesa DaCosta, Maddie Cutler, Lola Fitzgerald, and Gracie Davidson. Together, they provide hands-on instruction while helping students build confidence, focus, and strong character both on and off the range.
Through programs like the Clay Target Busters, Jacksonville Clay Target Sports continues to invest in the future of the sport while creating opportunities for young people to learn, grow, and succeed.
For more information about the Jax Clay Target Busters youth program, contact Dave Dobson, Founder and Program Administrator, at ddobsonpvb@aol.com or (904) 571-8700. Additional details are also available on the JCTS website.