The ESMBA is working in partnership with other bowling codes to raise the levels of participation in the sport of bowls for all ages. The group is known as the Bowls Development Alliance and as well as the ESMBA includes;
Bowls England
British Crown Green Bowling Association
English Indoor Bowling Association
The Bowls Development Alliance has been successful with a joint funding application to Sport England to enable them to;
Establish a company limited by guarantee for the develoment of bowls
Develop and implement a strategic plan for the development of bowls
Increase participation by working with clubs and county associations across England to deliver local initiatives initially aimed at the 65 plus age group
Funding over the four years (2008-11) of up to £756,000 is available but is very much dependent on our performance each year.
The Bowls Development Alliance is also developing local initiatives for those people under 65 not only focussing on schools but also looking at ways to encourage those in the middle age bracket that have finished playing more active sports such as football and cricket.
To support this initiative the ESMBA has established a development sub-committee under the chairmanship of Simon Willies (ESMBA Vice-Chairman) to consider ways of raising participation in short mat bowls across all ages. This also includes working with other bowling codes in the formation of the Bowls Development Alliance, development of a strategic plan and delivering joint local initiatives. The sub-committee will include non-committee members and it is keen to hear from individuals who want to be involved or are running local initiatives and wish to share their experiences.
