Give it a Try!

(see Also English Bowls Youth Development Scheme)

You’ve probably seen bowls on TV from time to time, or stopped to watch a game in the local park. You may even have thought “I wouldn't mind giving that a try”. You are not alone. But, then, it runs through your mind that bowls is more for older folk, and so, like many others, you’ve found an excuse to do nothing about it. You’ll wait till you retire and then……………maybe………

Bowls IS a great pastime for many older people. But it’s also a great sport for all, including younger folk. The under 25 scene is flourishing at county, national and international level, but, for those of you just that bit older, it’s a terrific way to keep your competitive spirit going when your more active days in cricket, football or tennis are coming to an end.

Bowls is for ALL ages and for ALL levels of ability.

You might have thought to yourself that you won’t be any good. Frankly - just another excuse! And you know it! No one is any good when they first start. Let's face it – it’s not meant to be that EASY!  For a start, the wretched bowls don't even roll in a straight line! But do you really think you are going to be playing against top internationals like Alex Marshall or David Gourlay the first time you go on the green?

Deep down, you know you want to Give it a Try! So, where do you start?

Simple - get down to your local Bowls Club, or click here, and you’ll be taken to a page that shows all the bowls clubs in Surrey. Some have their own websites and ALL have a contact for you.

 What happens next?

	All clubs welcome potential new members so, believe me, they’ll be overjoyed to hear from you,
	you’ll be introduced to the club coach - a volunteer who has qualified, through various courses at his own expense, to do the job he loves - coaching newcomers to the game – usually FREE
	you’ll be shown the basics – how to deliver a bowl and get as many bowls as you can close to the jack (that’s the little white ball at the other end of the green). Yes – bowls is that simple
	initial coaching over, you’ll be invited to join the club
	you can go for roll-ups (that’s bowls-speak for practising on your own or with friends and other club members or just having a fun game). You make the decision as to when you have a roll-up. Most greens are available from midday onwards, and are divided into, usually, six rinks. Even when there’s a club match or competition on, rinks are available for roll ups.

In no time you’ll be up and running and perhaps even looking for some competition. No problem! Most clubs offer –

	friendly games against other local Clubs, involving many like yourself who have only recently taken up the sport. No one will expect you to perform like a superstar; they will just want you to enjoy the game – that, after all, is what bowls is all about
	internal competitions - yes, you will sometimes come up against stiff opposition. Our top county, national and international players also play Club games, but what you learn from these players is invaluable in improving your own game
	inter-club and county league games and competitions. Once you get this far  . . .

Why wait?

Hope to see you next summer – on the green.

After that….? You never know.

Go on . . .