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A Partnership Initiative to provide a pathway to develop the
sport for young people
 The
EBYDS Partnership comprises the National Governing Bodies of
the Indoor and Outdoor Flat Green Bowling Associations
together with the Umpires Associations and the English Bowls
Coaching Scheme. The principle funding comes from the National
Governing Bodies.
The Scheme promotes Bowls for the young : both boys and girls
in the 10 – 18 year-old age range. Juniors are in the range 10
– 14 and Seniors in the 14 – 18 range. It gives access to
developmental competitions at all levels not usually available
to all but the top experienced young players.
Each year, the Counties invite young players from their Clubs
to play in the County Events : each Event varies in size but
overall just over 1,000 youngsters play. There are two parts
to the day : a round robin singles competition culminating in
a semi-final and final for each group of Seniors and Juniors
and also a Skill Exercise Competition. This latter part is
unique to EBYDS and has a number of exercises to test and
develop the basic skills needed to play the sport of bowls and
hence improve the players’ game and potential. This section is
run by experienced coaches who also have a short clinic after
each skill for personal development. Points are awarded from
the two parts of the day to determine the winners who go
forward to the next stage. Those who do not go forward all
benefit from the Event and our feedback from players and
parents is very complimentary.
There are then 6 Regional Events with 32 players at each,
drawn from the Counties. The format is the same as for the
Counties but of course much more competitive. Just under 200
players compete, with the top 2 Juniors and top 2 Seniors
going through to the National Event plus other high performers
to make up 32 finalists.
The National School has 16 Juniors and 16 Seniors competing.
The format is the same with different skills exercises being
used. This is an exciting event, well attended by parents and
supporters and by Officials from the Partnership, including
National Officers and Presidents. We have always enjoyed
exceptional bowling and been impressed by the skills that our
young bowlers possess and demonstrate.
Many young bowlers have used this pathway to develop their
bowling and have progressed onto selection for National teams
both indoor and outdoor.
Pat Osler
Chair, EBYDS Steering Group
If any Surrey Club would like to nominate any of their young
bowlers for the Surrey Event would they please contact :-
Surrey County Co-Ordinator Jim Wood – Tel : 01428 722942
E-Mail :
wood01@btinternet.com
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