Archery Australia and Assemble Sports: Building a Stronger Future for the Sport
Big-Picture Snapshot
Archery Australia had been operating on a legacy market platform for more than a decade which was not adapting with the sport and no longer met the needs of members or administrators. The sport needed more than just a replacement, it needed a modern solution that could handle its unique requirements and create a better experience for the entire community.
“We’d been on the same system for 11 years and nothing was changing. Members were struggling, and we knew it was time to look for something new.” – Mick Maclennan, COO Archery Australia
Decision Trigger
As Archery Australia looked to modernise its operations, the leadership recognised that the sport had outgrown its legacy system. Members were asking for a smoother online experience, administrators needed stronger tools, and the organisation wanted a platform that could truly support its growth.
After evaluating the options in the market, Archery Australia chose Assemble Sports for its ability to listen, adapt, and deliver technology tailored to the sport’s unique needs.
“We went out to market and Assemble was the standout. They understood our quirks and were willing to work with us.” – Mick Maclennan
Responsiveness in Action
From the outset, Assemble demonstrated a genuine understanding of the complexities of archery. Safety requirements meant that new members could not simply sign up and shoot the next day, and membership renewals had some nuances.
“We explained our membership renewals and safety needs, and Assemble worked with us to build that in.” – Mick Maclennan
The Assemble team committed to a tight rollout window and worked diligently to serve the community on Day 1 and continually improve the solution to meet Archery’s needs.
Adaptability and Integration
Together, Archery Australia and Assemble introduced:
- Tailored pending approval workflows to strengthen safety protocols, giving administrators control over when new members are cleared to participate.
- A renewal-based membership system aligned to archery’s ways of working, making the process smoother for long-term members.
- Digital membership cards, saving time and costs while removing the need for printing and postage and giving members instant access on their devices.
- Improved portals for easier event registration, simplifying the experience for both archers and administrators.
- New modules for coaches and officials, ensuring the broader community of volunteers and leaders are fully supported.
“We asked for things that weren’t in the system, and they came back with solutions. That made a big difference.” – Mick Maclennan
Results and Future Outlook
Eighteen months on, the platform is delivering measurable improvements. Membership management is faster and safer, administrators have stronger reporting and communication tools, and members enjoy a modern, professional experience.
“The support team is excellent, and they keep building features that make sense for our sport.” – Mick Maclennan
Archery Australia and Assemble Sports continue to work closely, with projects underway to enhance reporting, coaching modules, and nationwide training.
