Published on:
20
February 2012
Seven local bowling clubs will form a new partnership next month with the aim of developing the sport of lawn bowling and increasing membership of clubs throughout Clackmannanshire.
In setting up the Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum, the clubs at Alva, Alva South, Menstrie, Alloa East, Dollar, Alloa, and Wasp Indoor have been joined by Bowls Scotland in submitting an application for funding to support a four year plan to introduce bowling to pupils in P5 in all Clackmannanshire primary schools, a festival, coach education and afterschool clubs.
Significant effort in the drive for new club members is being targeted at junior members, with the hope that some families may also be encouraged to join and take part in the sport.
Councillor Mark English, Inclusion Portfolio Holder, said: "There are over 15 bowling groups and clubs in Clackmannanshire and it is hoped more clubs will join the partnership as time goes on. There are a great bunch of dedicated volunteers behind this partnership who are keen to reap the benefits for their sport and their club. Bowling will be a great addition to the sporting opportunities already available to our pupils and will compliment the other activities such as football and rugby."
Colin Hutchison, National Development Officer for Bowls Scotland said: "There is a junior coaching project in Fife, however this new Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum is the first of its kind in Scotland and at Bowls Scotland we are keen to see this model rolled out in other areas.
"Scotland already has a number of world class bowlers and with the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in 2014 and the recent extension to the bowling rinks at Kelvingrove, this is a very exciting time to be involved in bowling."
Prior to the launch of the Clackmannanshire Bowls Forum in March, if any other clubs are interested in joining the partnership, they should contact Clackmannanshire Council Sports Development team on 01259 450000, or email sportsdevelopment@clacks.gov.uk