English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd

YOUTH DEVELOPMENT STATEMENT 2015

BACKGROUND

The English Indoor Bowling Association’s view of Youth Development for Bowls has for many years been one of support and not avoidance. Initially this level of support was in the form of developing, supporting and financing the English Bowls Youth Development Scheme in conjunction with Bowls England.

However, for the last several years the EIBA has increased its Development programme with the introduction of: -

a) Skills Awards – 3 levels for young bowlers to obtain. Bronze, Silver and Gold
b) National Competitions – U15 and U18 National Singles


CHANGE

In October 2014 Bowls England announced that it would no longer be supporting the EBYDS. This decision left the EBYDS uncertain of its future and the loss of an established programme of Skills tests and match play at a local, regional and National Level.

The EIBA recognised the valuable role the EBYDS played for the development of the sport at youth level so without hesitation committed its full backing to ensure that the 2015 event continued but also how best it could be integrated into a wider Indoor Development pathway from 2016 and beyond.


DEVELOPMENT PATHWAY

In May this year the EIBA produced an enhanced Development Pathway for the sport of Indoor Bowls, which following approval by the EIBA Board, was due to be published in September, prior to the start of the 2015-2016 Season.

For the first time the sport would have a fully supported structure from Under 12 through to Senior Level with areas defined to expand the activity for each targeted age group.

In creating the pathway the fact that the EIBA were solely responsible for the existence of the EBYDS meant that they were seen as the appropriate lead activity for the start of the pathway.

As such the existing Under 15 National Competition run by the EIBA independently would be replaced by the EBYDS current activity of skills and match play. The winner of the National event in October 2016 would also be the English National Champion.

As the planning with the EBYDS developed they requested that 2016 remained the same as it had been in the past and they would use this year to fully develop and prepare appropriate Skill tests and Singles Competition at Under 16 level.

Although there is no specific U15 National Competition in 2016 the EIBA believe that from the next season onwards there will be a structure to provide opportunities for all young bowlers.

Development Pathway 2016 onwards

AGE   LEAD   WHERE   FUTURE
U12 ----------- EBYDS
SKILL ONLY
----------- CLUBS  COUNTIES   SCHOOLS
|
|
           
U16

----------- EBYDS COMPETITIONS SKILS ----------- CLUBS COUNTIES

  INTERNATIONAL ACADEMY
REGIONS GCSE
|
|
           
U18


----------- EIBA COMPETITION SKILLS AWARDS ----------- CLUBS COUNTIES

INTERNATIONAL
  ACADEMY
REGIONS

|
|
           
U25


----------- EIBA COMPETITIONS


----------- CLUBS COUNTIES

INTERNATIONAL
  ACADEMY
REGIONS

|
|
           
SENIORS


----------- EIBA COMPETITIONS

----------- CLUBS COUNTIES

INTERNATIONAL
  REGIONS



             

SUPPORT

Whilst the EIBA have created a framework for the future for it to be implemented successfully there has to be support from Clubs and Counties.

Ideally in the first instance the identified age groups should have the opportunity to compete at their Club, in their County and Regionally. When this is established throughout England, as it is for U25 and upwards, then the EIBA can introduce specific National Team Competitions for Youth bowler.

NEXT STEP

With the pathway being made public the EIBA would welcome dialogue with Clubs and Counties who have existing Youth Competitions and or those who want to start them so that activity for the Youth bowler can be structured to match the National Plan.

Peter Thompson
Chief Executive


16th September 2015

 Archives  |  Accessibility  |  Downloads  |  Guidance Notes  |  Links  |  Photos  |  Contact Us  |  Privacy Notice