Bethany Norton: Building community through sport

A talented junior shooter with international success already to her name, Bethany has been supported by SportsAid for over two years.

Competing in a niche, often overlooked sport, she admits the sense of belonging SportsAid provides has been transformational.

Bethany said: “My favourite part of being on SportsAid is meeting athletes from so many different sports.”

Shooting can be an isolating pursuit. Travel demands, high training costs, and limited visibility mean athletes often operate in small circles. Arriving at SportsAid events as the only shooter, Bethany initially felt nervous, but those feelings quickly faded.

She said: “You think it’s going to be daunting, but by the end of the day you’ve got five new best friends.”

Those connections have become a vital part of her journey. Through SportsAid, Bethany has built friendships across sports including rugby and softball, creating a network of athletes who support, encourage, and celebrate one another.

As a female athlete in a male-dominated sport, these shared experiences have been especially meaningful.

“We all stay in touch. People message you good luck, or congratulations when they see you away. It’s such a lovely culture.

“Even though we’re in completely different sports, it’s that shared experience of being a female athlete. Hearing how others have overcome challenges is really inspiring.”

Alongside the community, SportsAid has provided Bethany with valuable development opportunities.

Attending the Aldi and SportsAid Media Workshop allowed her to explore how to promote herself and her sport responsibly.

She said: “Because shooting isn’t in the public eye, learning how to tell our story online was really helpful - especially with the regulations around firearms.”

Bethany has also found inspiration in listening to more experienced athletes share their journeys.

“Hearing Olympic athletes talk about their progressions really stuck with me.”

While connection sits at the heart of her SportsAid experience, the support has also played a crucial practical role. With shooting involving significant training and travel costs, the financial backing has helped relieve pressure.

“Shooting isn’t a cheap sport. Even getting to a range can be difficult, so every little helps.”

Alongside SportsAid support, Bethany’s shooting career continues to progress. From winning national titles as a young teenager to making history as part of the first GB female team to win a world-stage medal, her ambition is firmly set on the future.

But for Bethany, success is about more than medals.

With plans to complete her coaching qualifications and a strong desire to give back at grassroots level, Bethany is committed to helping others feel welcomed into the sport she loves.

Bethany said: “If we don’t have new people coming through, then we’ve got nowhere to go. My main goal is that if anyone wants to try shooting, they know there will be a community for them. It’s really important to keep our sport’s future alive.”

By building connections, supporting others, and sharing her journey, Bethany Norton is not only targeting Olympic success, but she is also helping shape a stronger, more connected future for shooting, and SportsAid is proud to support her along the way.