The Bowls Development Alliance is a partnership organisation with a core purpose: to sustain, grow, and develop the sport in partnership with the Bowls family. Our work in the School Games is no different, we are working in partnership with the four national governing bodies of the sport to develop and deliver the School Games offer for bowls.
A steering group was established at the end of 2023, comprising representatives from the English Short Mat Bowling Association, British Crown Green Bowling Association, Bowls England, and the English Indoor Bowling Association. A representative from each of the NGBs sits on this group and contributes to the direction, development, and support provided to schools and the YST network.
Having redeveloped the Game Cards for both primary and secondary, we are now working across six priority counties in 2025 to implement, review, and gather feedback from schools and the wider network. We will also work to connect schools with our club network wherever opportunities exist.
Our six priority areas for 2025 are:
- North Yorkshire
- Norfolk
- Kent
- Cornwall
- Herefordshire & Worcestershire
- North Lancashire and Fylde
As we continue to develop the bowls offer, we will aim to support the school network outside these counties as much as possible during 2025. However, the level of support will depend on staff time and capacity.
If you would like support, we’d love to hear from you. Please email us at [email protected], and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible.
Why Bowls for your school?
Bowls is one of the most accessible sports that can be played. Bowls creates a level playing field and can bring all students together.
It offers a great alternative to ‘traditional’ sports which can be played on all surfaces. Bowls challenges students with hand-eye coordination, distance awareness, teamwork and supports numeracy through its scoring, while being easily adaptable.
The formats available allow young people to develop the skills for Bowls in a fun and inclusive way through the Skills Festival format or
compete against their peers using the Bowls Bash competition. There really is something for everyone to play and learn together.