Blog: Try bowls – the sport for all
Looking for a sociable, fun, affordable and family-orientated sport to try this summer? Our partners at Bowls Scotland suggest looking no further than your local bowls club in 2022!
Scottish bowling clubs have played a vital role in re-connecting local communities across the country throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. Bowls can offer social, physical, and mental health benefits for people of all ages and abilities. Gourock Park Bowling Club in Inverclyde were a prime example of this in 2021 as they welcomed 30 new members to their facilities over the season.
The club has worked with the Gourock Community Sports Hub for the last 5 years, gaining access to local people looking to try new activities. John McCartney, who has played bowls for 68 years, was able to coach new bowlers at weekly Try Bowls sessions the club held to welcome new people along and help develop their skills.
Speaking on the club’s success, John said: “I enjoy seeing how happy new bowlers, of all ages, are when they come down to the club. Some said that they did not expect to enjoy bowling but found it very relaxing and their day-to-day stresses disappear when they are on the green.
“The older adults told me they wished that they had taken up the game at an earlier age. The young bowlers show so much enthusiasm and most of them are naturals.
“It is very satisfying to help bring new people into the sport and give them a good experience.”
The national governing body, Bowls Scotland, is running their annual Try Bowls campaign throughout 2022 which is aimed at getting new people into bowls and increasing membership numbers in clubs.
Over 200 Scottish bowling clubs have already registered as open and inclusive ‘Try Bowls Clubs’ in 2022 and the numbers are growing. Try Bowls Clubs are quickly recognisable with a purple pin on Bowls Scotland’s Club Finder Map and can provide fun, safe, and welcoming coaching opportunities to their local community – is there one near you?
Find your local bowling club at www.bowlsscotland.com/club-finder or call 01292 294623 and be sure to give the sport a go with your friends and family!
