For those people looking for a sporting experience that differs from the traditional team sports such as football, basketball or baseball, the Pike County 4-H has something to offer.

The 4-H is sponsoring its shooting sports program, which includes an archery program for the first time in three years.

“We did this three years ago, and this year, we decided to start it back up,” said archery coach Janet Baker.

The team practiced Monday night at Bush Memorial Baptist Church, and all involved seemed to be having a good time.

“The kids love it,” Baker said. “These bows are designed so we can turn the weight on them down. That helps the little kids to be able to use them just like the older kids can. These aren’t your typical football and baseball players. Anybody can come out and pick this up and do it.”

The team will practice every Monday from now until April 12, and will then compete in the 2010 Alabama 4-H Archery Championship April 17 at the Civilian Marksmanship Program Range in Anniston.

If the senior team performs well enough, it could advance to the National 4-H Archery Invitational in Kerrville, Texas, June 28-July 3.

The 4-H also sponsors a shotgun team that will begin practicing in March. Anyone who is interested in helping coach that team can attend training Feb. 12-13 at Dixie Skeet and Traps in Matthews.

Both programs are open to children beginning at 9 years old and running all the way up to 12th grade.

Anyone interested in joining can call Baker at 372-0816 or the Pike County Extension Office at 566-0985.