Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance

The Missouri Youth Sport Shooting Alliance (MYSSA) is a not-for-profit organization that coordinates youth shooting sports across the entire state. They represent almost 200 schools and clubs serving thousands of student athletes competing in precision shooting disciplines.

MYSSA promotes target shooting opportunities, safety, sportsmanship, and athlete development through organized training, competitions, and community resources. Their mission centers on ensuring all Missouri youth have access to positive, safe shooting sports education.

Competition Schedule: - Two major high school state shoots annually - 17 other range competitions for youth shooters of all ages - Hundreds of competitors from across Missouri participate each year

Spring Break 'Ems (SBE) - Youth shooting competitions held at 13+ venues across Missouri. These events have grown significantly and serve as key opportunities for young shooters to compete.

Fall Classic - The fourteenth annual Fall Classic is held at the Missouri Trapshooters Association in Linn Creek. Combines trap and sporting clays competitions with nearly 600+ attendees.

Paul Larsen Memorial Shoot - State high school trap championship held annually.

Mid-America Trap Academy - Intensive three-day instructional clinic for youth shooters, coaches, and parents. Now in its 9th year of operation (started 2014). Features instruction from experienced coaches working with youth ages 11-18.

Show Me State Games - Winter Blast Clay Classic and other seasonal competitions.

Midway USA Foundation Partnership - Nearly 185 teams in Missouri participate in the Midway USA Foundation funding program. Teams are reviewed annually for engagement levels, with access to grant funds for equipment, ammunition, and program development.

Matching Funds Program - MYSSA assists youth shooting teams with funding opportunities and grant applications to support program growth and participation.

Ammunition Support - Partners work with teams to access bulk ammunition purchasing through established relationships, helping offset rising shell costs ($5 to $10+ per box in recent years).

MYSSA operates with a focus on inclusive athletics. Athletes of all ages—male, female, and those with physical disabilities—can participate and compete at high levels. The organization emphasizes:

• •Teamwork and leadership development
• •Discipline through competitive shooting
• •Safety and sportsmanship
• •Skill progression from beginner to elite levels

MYSSA maintains a Higher Education page connecting graduating seniors with collegiate shooting scholarships. Member schools with shooting programs include Missouri Valley College (15 scholarships available in 2023-2024 season) and partnerships with other four-year institutions.

MYSSA publishes regular blog content covering: - Technique and form (cheek weld, footwork, motion) - Mental performance and competition anxiety - Firearm maintenance and care - Target analysis and scoring strategies - Coach training and youth development methods - Off-season preparation and goal setting

• •Location: P.O. Box 71, Imperial, Missouri 63052
• •Contact: [email protected]
• •Executive Director: David Vaught ([email protected])

MYSSA serves as the critical connective tissue between Missouri's rapidly growing youth shooting programs, bringing together isolated clubs and schools under one organized, coordinated umbrella.