Gilbert Youth Shooting Club

Gilbert Youth Shooting Club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2012 to provide alternative sporting opportunities for students in grades 3-12 from the Gilbert School District. The club operates under the Iowa Scholastic Clay Target Program (IASCTP) with support from the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.

The club runs competitive clay target leagues across multiple disciplines:

• •American Trap (16 yard singles)
• •Handicap Trap (19-25 yard distances based on skill level)
• •Doubles Trap
• •Skeet (American Skeet format)
• •Sporting Clays & 5-Stand

Athletes compete individually or as teams in state-wide leagues. The SCTP season runs September through August, with practices starting in March and competitions through May. State Championships occur in late May and June, with National Championships in July.

• •Monday Nights: 5:00 - 6:30 p.m. at Hill Farm Range (3290 330th Street, Ellsworth, IA). Each shooter fires 2 rounds of 25 targets.

State meet participation requires attendance at 6 practices. Shooters need 12 or 20 gauge shotguns (automatic, pump, double barrel, or hammerless single shot). The club provides shooting vests, shell pouches, team shirts, and hats as part of membership.

Clay target sports are competitive for all athletes regardless of physical size or gender, making them a genuine alternative to traditional sports.

The program has 15 coaches across varsity, junior varsity, intermediate, and rookie divisions, including head coach Eric Van Gorp and program founder Jeremy Rydl.

• •Annual SCTP and ATA memberships
• •State and meet entry fees
• •Practice targets
• •Shooting vest and shell pouch
• •Team uniform (shirt & hat)

Members compete at multiple Iowa ranges including Ankeny, Ames, and Marshall Gun Clubs, plus Cedar Falls Gun Club, New Pioneer Clay Target Center, and Stockdale Gun Club.

The club built its own range in 2024-2025. Future development includes restrooms and classroom facilities, funded through donations and community support.