ADVICE ON STARTING A JUNIOR SECTION AT A BOWLS CLUB

 

Charlbury and Carterton bowls Clubs have both formed flourishing junior/ youngster sections (7-14 year olds) over the last few years. This has re-energised both clubs and resulted in a significant increase in membership.(Both young people and their parents!)

This document outlines some key points from Charlbury and Carterton which other clubs wishing to attract younger members may find useful. Most important is a determined approach. The more youngsters  recruited, the more likely they will remain if they have peers to compete and have fun with. Capturing the imagination of the parents and demonstrating the opportunities that bowls offers is key to this. How many sports can children play on an equal footing with their parents and grandparents? How many sports give a realistic opportunity to play for county / country? But here in Oxfordshire we have short mat bowlers playing for England U21’s.

• Enthusiastic Volunteers.

A team of committed volunteers to act as coaches /mentors. Charlbury invested in training 6xLevel 1 coaches, Carterton utilise experienced players. It is essential that all volunteers are DBS checked and have safeguarding training (provided by Bowls England). First Aid training also useful. The more volunteers the better.

• Allocation of fixed times.

It is important that the whole club embraces the inclusion of young people and both clubs have allocated fixed times which do not clash with popular adult bowling times for junior development. (The after-school slot and Saturday mornings)

• Publicity to attract young people.
• Target local schools / sports leaders. Offer an after-school club taster.
• Village newsletters.
• Invite local groups for taster sessions – Brownies, Cubs, Young Farmers, Sports Clubs.
• Carterton hire their facilities for the local football club presentation evening and invite guests to have a try.
• Stands at local events. Have bowls/ equipment/ videos on show.
• Big Bowls Bash/ Open Days geared to Families and children.
• Engage with Families

Welcome the wider family.

Encourage parents to participate with children in family days.

Keep parents/ carers informed on progress/ successes.

• Keep it Simple

Just turn up with a pair of flat soled shoes, everything else provided.

Charlbury used Grants to purchase junior bowls and 00 and 0 bowls.

Ensure all aware of basic health & safety and green care.

• Low Cost

Keep membership costs low, Charlbury £5 for first year increasing to £15 per year thereafter.

• Make it Fun

It is important to keep bowls vibrant and fun. Skills can be taught using games, targets, hoops, cones, goals.

Keep things fresh, introducing a variety of exercises to suit short attention spans

Start on half-green and practice skills, gradually introducing traditional bowls.

Lots of competitions with certificates.

• Image – Dress code.

Try not to be too prescriptive –initially just flat shoes, and suitable clothing for ease of movement.

Both clubs have procured funding for junior shirts as numbers have increased.(polo shirts with logo/ bowls shirts)

• Etiquette – as well as fun we want the youngsters to develop good etiquette and sportsmanship. An emphasis on encouraging each other, shaking hands, praising good shots.

Coaches/ volunteers demonstrate, promote and reward good sportsmanship and engagement.

Parents have commented on increased confidence and improved social interaction.

• Incentives and rewards

Certificates each session – Spider, Best Bowl of the Day, Achievement Certificate (for most engaged, supportive and encouraging bowler).

In both clubs, competent juniors play with adults in friendlies and league teams.

Matches against other clubs.

Club competitions.

PRAISE and ENCOURAGEMENT.

• County Matches

Charlbury juniors attended county training at Kidlington and several played in county matches (Sadly a number were cancelled due to the opposition not having a team)

• External Image

Publicise successes. Where juniors achieve, letters sent to the schools head teachers and read out in assembly promoting a positive image and pride in bowling.

Closed Club Facebook used to promote junior achievements within the club.

(Charlbury had an article published in the Bowls England Newsletter)

*Ensure signed permission forms obtained before sharing any child’s information/ photos.

• Retention

Both Clubs have been happily surprised at the retention to date keeping juniors engaged through the winter season – Short Mat at Charlbury, Indoor long mat at Carterton with great success. Charlbury have juniors who have achieved County Honours and five have been selected for England U21’s at short mat. A fantastic accomplishment. Junior membership remains at 15 in Carterton and 20+ in Charlbury.