Youth Programs (Make sure you read this page right to the end!)

Developing the Stars of Tomorrow

by introducing Short Mat Bowls for youths in High Schools

School Program Rationale and Backgrounder

It’s official, students need exercise and recreation.  Most do not qualify for the traditional school sports or for activities where special skills are required or where a substantial financial outlay is required by the parents.  Lawn Bowling and Indoor Short Mat Bowls are co-ed sports that are easy to learn, which can be played for a lifetime and which can easily fit into a school curriculum.  Of course, proficiency comes with practice; however, it does not take long.  It’s not uncommon to see teenagers compete seriously with adults in the outdoor version.  The sport is not expensive.  Pre-owned bowls are readily available at low cost and full adult memberships range between $60 and $150 per year.  Some school boards that have already incorporated lawn bowling into their curriculum provide participating clubs with a $30.00 subsidy for each student. Lawn Bowls for youths is not a new idea.  We just need to approach it differently by studying other jurisdictions.

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Wrong Expectations…

To date, clubs have not had the desired results because clubs have the wrong expectations.  They expect to convert the students into regular new members as they invite schools to bring the students to the clubs to discover the joys of lawn bowling but have to use club volunteers, all seniors, to work with them.  There is a lack of enthusiasm when approached in this fashion because students want to play with people their own age in a youthful atmosphere. And that is why they don't convert to members.

Of course, specially trained coaches are required for this. In Langley, we tested with trained coaches who worked with phys-ed classes where the phys-ed teacher also played. It was very popular and an excellent way to expose the young people to the game, as the students requested to play again and again.  They were happy to be there.   However, this is not the most efficient way to grow the sport of lawn bowling among young people because schools are out for most of the traditional lawn bowling season and, except for a few who participate in "junior" competitions, students do not convert into club members.

Instead, why not use Indoor Short Mat Bowling as an alternative and potential springboard with which to develop, in students, an understanding and appreciation of bowls as a recreational and competitive pursuit.  This unique lifetime sport encourages interactive team work, cooperation between players and fosters good sportsmanship. It also allows personal development through both a social and physical activity.

Students will be encouraged to experience Short Mat and Lawn Bowls as activities that cater to all skill levels and intensity of involvement – as sports anyone can participate in.  Invite schools to participate in ‘Laying the Mat’ – A Lawn Bowls in Schools initiative. This Australian Lawn Bowls/Short Mat program can be adapted to meet the needs of both teachers and students. All the teaching materials are ready and free.  The program may be run:

● On the ‘greens’ at your club (outside activity);

·         ● On ‘short mats’ inside your club;

·         ● On ‘short mats’ at your high school;

·         ● Or in a large carpeted area at your school.

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program update

 In collaboration with the school board, introduce the game at your nearest high schools by training teachers in a “Train the Trainer” program and by adapting a course curriculum widely used in England, Australia and South Africa. 

Each school should be equipped with 4 short-mat surfaces, which would be deployed in the gym when bowls are to be played.  This number of mats will allow 32 players at the time and will require 16 sets (64) of bowls.  This will foster the development of intra-mural school leagues and eventually intra-school leagues.  Those who are really attracted to the game can also play at your neighborhood club after school. The short mat game can also be available indoors at the club. These enthusiasts will also be invited to play on the outdoor surfaces, join student leagues and compete in youth lawn bowling championships. 

Supervision will be provided by volunteer teachers, club coaches and staff. Ideally, league management and marketing could become the responsibility of the students as part of the academic activity. 

GO THE NEXT STEP:

INTRODUCE YOUR STUDENTS TO KELSEY COTTRELL

kelsey cottrell

Kelsey is an Australian Youth Lawn Bowling Champion who has taken leadership in organizing other young players into a social network with amazing results.  We should encourage young people around us to visit and join her website, which is dedicated to Lawn Bowling, and discover  how they can do the same thing in their own neighborhood.  It seems to me that these Australian kids are having way too much fun for us to just look on.  Our kids can benefit from exchanging Lawn Bowling ideas with them. 

kelsey cottrell - 2009

Kelsey Cottrell's

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FURTHER OUTSIDE THE BOX...

Here's a thought to ponder when you wonder how is all this going to come together.  The story below describes what a particular group of  young bowlers uses Lawn Bowling after graduation from Edith Cowan University, in Perth, Western Australia.  Visit the club website.  You'll never see Lawn Bowling in the same light.  We must tap into this potential.

Think about this.  What if you convinced a neighborhood university/college to add Lawn Bowling to its sports teaching program, where these students, as part of their practicum, would have to teach, coach and develop young players from high schools in the area.

To make it easy, start with Short Mat Bowls within the school.  It requires only a small $10K investment per school. I'm sure that funding can be provided from parents, PAC groups and local commerce.  This would be a very positive program with which to be associated.

IT'S LAWN BOWLS, BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT!!!!!

ECU Lawn Bowls club is an exciting new sports social club open to keen guys and girls. The club, mainly aimed at current and past ECU students (but friends welcome) offers all members the opportunity to enjoy lawn bowls in a fun, social environment.

Barefoot bowls are held every Thursday night at the Mt. Lawley Social Club, where you or your team of two come and play a casual match or two. Matches involve two teams of pairs playing each other over 11 ends of play.

While games are being played great tunes will be ringing out over the greens, cold drinks will be served from the bar and a cheap sausage sizzle is always available.

While matches are being played, members get the opportunity to socialize with great crew of fellow young bowlers before, during and after your match.

So grab your mates common on down and show us how you roll?