Lawn bowling for youth

By Louise Manga
Public Relations, Victoria Lawn Bowling Club

If you think lawn bowling is just a game for senior citizens, are you ever mistaken!  It is a game for all ages.  Young players are increasingly dominating the international, national, and provincial lawn bowling tournaments.   

At the 2010 Commonwealth Games, a woman in her twenties from England won the Women's Singles Gold and another woman in her twenties from South Africa won a Gold Medal in the triples. 

The Canadian Nationals in 2011 saw the youngest playing field in the tournament's history.  The average age of the Men's and Women's Fours teams, both of whom won the gold medal, was under 30! Three of the Women's Singles players were under 30, and one of them won the bronze medal.  In the Men's Singles final, a 30 year old played a 25 year old!  Approximately two-thirds of Canada's 2011 National Team were 25-35 years old.

For even younger players, there is the Canadian Junior Championships, the top junior tournament in the country. To be eligible to take part in the Canadian Junior Championships competitors must be 18 years of age or under as of January 1st of the year of the competition.

So what exactly is lawn bowling?  At first glance, it might seem like a simple game of rolling a ball down a green.  First, bowls not balls are used.  A bowl is not spherical, but is weighted on one side and curves into that side as it rolls down the green (grass).  Then there are the complexities formed by the different sizes and biases of the different players' bowls, the direction of the wind, the condition of the greens, and the position of the bowls after they have been delivered. 

Lawn bowling is a great sport, providing physical fitness as well the chance to socialize with peers in a healthy, friendly environment.  And Youth Lawn Bowling offers affordable, friendly, summer fun.

There are initiatives to encourage younger players in their teens.  Lawn bowling clubs in countries around the world -- from Hong Kong to San Diego to Oshawa to the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club-- offer programs to encourage younger players.   Players learn the game from skilled coaches and can compete recreationally and/or competitively. 

The Victoria Lawn Bowling Club encourages youth to join the Club.  Currently planned for youth are the Monday evening Pony League and the Thursday evening Technique, both to develop their skills in all aspects of the game.  And when games or tournaments are not being held or greens maintenance being undertaken, the greens are open for practice.  With youth membership dues (18 years of age or less) costing only $25 with a $10 charge for the lawn bowling booklets and a small charge for the name tag, lawn bowling offers a safe, healthy, fun environment for youth.

For younger adults, the Club has draws seven days a week and summer evenings, so it is very easy to fit lawn bowling into your working schedule.  It is also a very affordable sport.  For new bowlers the first year dues are only $75 and $155 for experienced bowlers.

For James Bay residents, the Victoria Lawn Bowling Club is conveniently located in Beacon Hill Park.  Why not check out the website at for more details?