Sport England - Movement Fund has provided £3,310 of match funding
Welford Bowls Junior Section
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire, United Kingdom
Aim
The club wishes to start a Junior section in our Bowls club, to encourage the children in the village and surrounding area to participate.
Who are we?
We are based in Welford on Avon Bowls Club, just outside Stratford-Upon-Avon
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Why are we crowdfunding?
Why Start a Junior Section in Our Lawn Bowls Club?
To securing the Club’s Future and Inspiring the Next Generation and Building for Tomorrow.
Establishing a Junior section is one of the most meaningful steps a lawn bowls club can take. While the sport has a rich tradition, clubs need youthful enthusiasm to remain vibrant. By welcoming juniors, we ensure the club continues to thrive, creating an enthusiastic source of future bowlers, volunteers, and leaders.
Encouraging Young Talent
Starting early allows children and teens to develop skills, confidence, and a love for the game. With tailored coaching and age-appropriate activities, juniors can hone technique and learn sportsmanship, teamwork, and strategy. This early investment can produce players who may one day compete at the highest levels.
Changing Perceptions and Expanding Reach
Lawn bowls is often seen as a sport for older people, but a Junior section challenges this view. It sends a strong message that bowls is for everyone, regardless of age, and helps attract interest from families, schools, and youth groups. Young members frequently invite friends and family, naturally widening the club’s circle. Their presence boosts engagement both on and off the green, and their activity on social media can enhance the club’s visibility.
Creating Community Connections
A Junior section enables the club to form partnerships with local schools and organisations. Offering free taster sessions and free membership, participating in school sports programs, supporting diversity and creating intergenerational bonds . Family involvement also grows, as parents volunteer and siblings participate, creating a welcoming and supportive environment.
Promoting Well-Being and Life Skills
Lawn bowls provides a positive and inclusive space for young people. It encourages regular physical activity and is suitable for all abilities, helping combat sedentary lifestyles. Beyond the physical benefits, the sport offers life lessons: fair play, patience, respect, and resilience. Juniors experience teamwork and competition, building confidence and friendships that last.
Opportunities and Support for the Club
A thriving Junior section opens doors to funding from sponsorships and local authorities keen to support youth initiatives. These resources can improve our facilities and subsidise costs for young players. Junior leagues and special events bring new energy, and successful juniors raise the club’s profile. Clear pathways from beginner to advanced play encourage continued development, keeping Junior members engaged.
Getting Started
Launching a Junior section requires thoughtful planning. We have enthusiastic Level 2 coaches and volunteers to ensure child safeguarding, and hopefully providing suitable equipment. Promoting the section through community channels and offering incentives, such as free trial sessions and free membership, helps attract new junior members. National and regional bowling organisations can offer guidance, resources, and support to help our program flourish.
Conclusion
Starting a Junior section in our lawn bowls club is an investment in both the club and the wider community. It secures the club’s future, nurtures young talent, strengthens community bonds, and enriches the lives of juniors. With effort and vision, our club can remain vibrant, inclusive, and confident for generations to come.
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How we’ll spend the money raised
Currently we only have a few sets of small children's bowls, which are not suitable for over sevens. We aim to purchase the following if enough funds are raised.
Junior Lawn bowls and storage cabinet:
Size 0000 at £400 per set x 4 sets = £1,600
Size 000 at £400 per set x 4 sets = £1,600
Size 00 at £400 per set x 4 sets = £1,600
Size 0 at £400 per set x 4 sets = £1,600
Lockable cabinet at £220 x 1 = £ 220
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Total cost = £6,620
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Community impact
Involving the Community
Collaboration is essential for success. We will reach out to local schools, for input and support. Offer introductory sessions to schools to spark interest, and keep parents updated on plans and benefits through regular communications.
How you can play your part
There are four simple ways to help us reach our target, and make this project a reality.
1. Make a pledge. Don’t delay if you’re going to support us because momentum is key to our success!
2. Spread the word. Share our project on your social media pages and tell the world to get behind us! The more people we reach, the more support we will get.
3. Offer rewards. Get involved if you are a local business by donating things we can offer to our supporters. We will give you a shout out!
4. Fundraise for us. If you want to run your own fundraiser – maybe a sponsored activity or similar – use the 'contact project' button at the top of our page to let us know. Setting up your own page only takes a few minutes and you won’t need any bank details. Just a fun idea!
This project successfully funded on 19th January 2026