Annual Awards Voting - Coach for the Year

I’m Max Tarr, I’m 28 years old and founder of the “Future Shots Academy”. It’s a huge honour to be nominated for Coach of the Year. I’ve been a CPSA level one instructor since 2017. However, I first started instructing at the age of 18 when my dad became qualified, and I was keen to get involved.

In May 2019 I quit my job to become a full-time instructor. I decided to make this career change because the platform I had created on social media allowed me to reach and engage with potential clients, combined with the instructional work I received from my father, I had no doubt it’d be a recipe for success.

I entered 2020 strong receiving my first sponsorship from Avalon Guns, who I credit for starting the ball rolling. Then Lyalvale Express came soon after stating “You’re the only instructor who came in with a plan”.

The Covid pandemic hit, which gave me time to reflect and think about what I wanted to achieve. By June 2020 I had envisioned the “Future Shots Academy”, and at the end of July I had sponsored 6 girls and boys aged between 12-18 with tuition, clothing, and cartridges.

The aim wasn’t to create world champions, but to give opportunities to young shots, regardless of ability, who wouldn’t otherwise get the chance to receive such an opportunity. I have worked tirelessly so that these youngsters can reap the rewards of my efforts, I am motivated by providing as many opportunities as possible.

Fast forward to 2021, I now sponsor 12 young shots aged 9-21 and I couldn’t be prouder of what I’ve achieved so far. Without the help and support of so many this would not be possible. I look forward to what the future holds for the Future Shots.

I started shooting around 17 years ago, and over the years have won various Championships, ranging from British Sporting ladies Champion, World All Round Ladies Champion, to British Grand Prix and UK Fitasc Ladies Championships.

Around 6 years ago I started on my pathway to coaching, and 3 years ago, made the decision to do my passion full time, a massive step going self-employed and running your own business. But this is honestly one of the best things I have ever done, and so very rewarding. I have a huge range of clients, from an 11-year-old rising star, a 15-year-old shy young lady, who won the Lady Colts title at the British Open, through to shooters who have lost confidence in their abilities and want to improve, England and British Team shooters having ‘issues’.

I have a lot of clients that are intimated by the thought of shooting a CPSA registered shoot, and shy away from this, so alongside my coaching style, which is relaxed, informal, and tailored to each

individual needs, I am improving their confidence and their shooting, enough that they are comfortable enough to join the CPSA and shoot the registered events.

My favourite things to hear is ‘I can never hit those targets’, and by the end of the session, with a few tweaks to their techniques, and the words from the clients, ‘I wouldn’t of thought of that in a million years’ lol, they are not only smashing those clays, but hitting them consistently, and wondering why they had so many problems in the first place. A lesson should be fun, and I never want them to feel under pressure.

The lesson doesn’t just finish at the ground, I do gun fit, and give advice which guns would be suitable to each client, within their budgets and am always on the end of the phone, if they need me.

‘I’ve been coaching for a number of years prior to committing full time the past 4 years and cater for all shooters ranging from novice/club shooters through to competition level instruction. I am also very active on the competition circuit currently competing in AA class. I am proactive, self-motivated with a passion for shooting. This coupled with a positive attitude, I continually strive to deliver instruction to the highest standard both at the shooting ground and in the field alike. I genuinely love what I do, whether that be introducing someone new into the sport, helping to nurture young juniors or taking competition shooters through the classes to realise their potential and aspirations.