Welcome to the new pages designed to promote junior bowling and also initiatives designed to bring in new bowlers to our game.

The first thing to say is that bringing in new bowlers especially juniors is critical to the continued success of bowling especially as a competitive popular sport.  It does however take an awful lot of effort to bring in new bowlers and then keep them interested.

There are many leagues that are struggling with player numbers and reducing the quantitiy of divisions and/or players per team to compensate.  I feel very strongly that this is a sympton rather than the cause of bowling's problems.  i.e. the decline in player numbers has been happening for many years and is now showing itself quite strongly in these league format changes.  The proactive promotion of bowling especially in partnership with local schools is key to reversing this decline.

I felt it was time that we dedicated some serious attention to all the people and clubs who are working hard to make this a reality. 

This section is a work in progress but is my attempt to promote and maybe link together all the clubs who are "doing their bit".

Becoming a Bowls Coach

With the increasing number of youngsters wishing to play bowls the game is crying out for more bowlers to become coaches. You do not have to be the best player to become a coach. If you have two or more years experience then why not come along and take a course in becoming a coach. As well as benefiting your own game you will gain a lot of satisfaction from being able to help others enjoy our great game of crown green bowls.
As the schools are now adding bowls to the curriculum the need for coaches increases even more. Please will you consider becoming a coach as you can help to encourage young and old to enjoy our game. To find out more information on the courses available please contact Sheila Bryning on 01625 874044 or email :- tonybryning@talktalk.net

 Clubs with coaching sessions

Manor Park
Running weekly coaching sessions on Fridays 3.45pm to 5pm. Click here for a poster.  Please print a poster and put it up at your club.

Manor Park are also working towards (and are nearly there) gaining a Club Mark. This recognition is very important in showing that your club is working within a minimum operating framework and shows the club to be of a high quality.  Please visit www.clubmark.org.uk for more information.

As part of this work Manor Park have produced a booklet titled "Glossopdale youth bowling project" which will be available on line shortly.

Etherow BC
Etherow has relaunched its coaching sessions.  These take place Saturday mornings 10.15am to 11.45am running throughout the bowling season.  It is 50p per person per session.  These are open to any bowler who wants to try and improve their game.

Etherow have 4 qualified coaches at the sessions.

Stalybridge & Dukinfield Recreation BC
Stalybridge Rec are running coaching sessions for juniors up to the age of 16 every Monday evening 4.30pm to 6pm. Again 50p per session including refreshments. Please click here for a poster.