We hear a great deal about development in bowls but we don't see too much. Where is this development going on?
Also what is development? Is there are plan to include what may be called 'previously disadvantaged' people in the game?
What is being done to get sportsmen and women interested in the game when the time has come for them to give up their more vigorous sports but they still want to be competitive? Bowls is an ideal vehicle for them.
Hi John,
We have a local paper in Rustenburg that gives details of all sporting clubs with the relevant contact people. Every Tuesday we have "development" bowls where we invite interested members to come and try, we provide the bowls and coaches and we try to make it a fun experience. We do not make them play fours because they tend to become bored in the front so we try to keep them involved all the time. We have really tried to involve the "previously disadvantaged" groups as well but for some reason they eventually stop coming, I am not really sure why.
I have been the coach of 5 "development children" - all from the PDA group - since last year September. When they were still in Junior school they had practice twice a week but when they moved on to High School their schedules became a bit hectic and therefore Friday is the only day that they practice. Last Season the boys played in the Saturday League with some success. They have recently been integrated into Tabs Games on Saturday afternoons. 2 of the boys have been selected to play for the CGBA Under 25 team that will be going to the Inter-Provincial Championships in Bloemfontein next week.
Development is a lot of work, and should not only refer to the PDA group! If your target is people exiting other sports, your task is a lot easier than if you target school children who need a lot more attention and coaching skill! They also need to be fetched and carried if they do not live close by the bowling club. But I must tell you, it is so worthwhile - the thrill of seeing these youngsters play good bowls at the age of 15 is fantastic!
We hear a great deal about development in bowls but we don't see too much. Where is this development going on?
Also what is development? Is there are plan to include what may be called 'previously disadvantaged' people in the game?
What is being done to get sportsmen and women interested in the game when the time has come for them to give up their more vigorous sports but they still want to be competitive? Bowls is an ideal vehicle for them.
I have been the coach of 5 "development children" - all from the PDA group - since last year September. When they were still in Junior school they had practice twice a week but when they moved on to High School their schedules became a bit hectic and therefore Friday is the only day that they practice. Last Season the boys played in the Saturday League with some success. They have recently been integrated into Tabs Games on Saturday afternoons. 2 of the boys have been selected to play for the CGBA Under 25 team that will be going to the Inter-Provincial Championships in Bloemfontein next week.
Development is a lot of work, and should not only refer to the PDA group! If your target is people exiting other sports, your task is a lot easier than if you target school children who need a lot more attention and coaching skill! They also need to be fetched and carried if they do not live close by the bowling club. But I must tell you, it is so worthwhile - the thrill of seeing these youngsters play good bowls at the age of 15 is fantastic!
Hey Supton, I think that's brilliant work, well done.