By Adrian Ceddia
IT’S safe to say lawn bowls is no longer a sport for the older generation.
The sport continues to attract younger bowlers every year, from local clubs to state and national teams.
But, as members of the Metro West region of the Royal Victorian Bowls Association (RVBA) have discovered, junior participation can be taken one step further.
The group has introduced the concept of an under 18 junior development squad – a team of young bowlers from across the western suburbs which meets once a month at various locations.
Metro West is the first of the nine regions in the RVBA to devise the idea of a development squad, a model adopted from the success of the country regions.
As well as meeting for specialist coaching and skills sessions, the squad also plays matches – importantly against players their own age.
While playing for their own clubs, the players will also have the opportunity to take part in under 18 knock-out pairs and singles tournaments.
The development squad is chaired by RVBA councillor and accredited national coach Terry Norris, as well as experienced coaches Geoff Loft, Dave Sutherland and Steve Fowler.
According to Norris, the development squad was set up mainly to foster relationships between bowlers of similar age across the Metro West region.
“If you’ve got a few kids in only one club, and they’re playing against the older people, there’s not much mixing,” he said.
“If they get together at least once a month, they can talk the same language and play games against their own age group.”
The squad meets once a month on Sundays for two hours from September to April, the most recent of which held at Premier Division club Yarraville/Footscray on the weekend.
For more information about the squad, or to join, contact Terry Norris on 9363 0573.
