The club was founded in 1970 by placing an advert into a local paper. This organised a meeting of interested people in the surrounding district. One of the founder members, Mr. Marlay John, was to become the chairman, a position he held for 23 years before becoming the club president. The first practice venue was in a skittle alley at the back of Eaglesbush Pub in Melyn, Neath.
From there the club moved to Hengwrt in the early 1980s and BP Llandarcy in 1986, where it stayed until its closure in 1999. The club then moved its winter season indoor shooting to Neath Sports Centre and to Twyn Teg Playing Fields, Dwr-Y-Felin Road for the summer outdoor season. In 2015 the council decided to turn Twyn Teg Playing Fields into Tegeirian Community Meadow and the club relocated to Bryncoch Rugby Club for its outdoor shooting.
Since its humble beginnings, the club flourished and grew to an annual membership averaging 60, producing some exceptional archers.
Members have represented Glamorgan, Wales and Great Britain in many tournaments and different countries. In 1982 Mrs. Vicky John became British Ladies Outdoor Champion, and at the age of 16, Mr. David Roberts was the British Junior Indoor Champion.
Double Paralympian Pippa Britton shot for Neath in the late 1980’s. Pippa competed on the GB archery team for 15 years and represented the Welsh able-bodied team on more than 20 occasions. She achieved podium places at 6 consecutive World Championships and 24 International events and gained 11 world records along the way. She competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the 2012 London Olympics and is ranked as one of the world’s top Paralympic archers. Read More at https://pippabritton.co.uk.
Since 1985 Roger Rees-Evans has been shooting with Neath, and in 2015 he attended the World Archery Para Championships in Germany, achieving a silver medal in the Visually Impaired 1 category.
This tradition has continued over the years with present day members holding many fine achievements. The club consistently produces archers who represent the club, county and region at National events.