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MEN'S UNDER 25 INTERNATIONAL JOE SANFORD GOT THE BOWLS BUG AT EIGHT MONTHS OLD |
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The Kent player, a special
education needs assistant teacher, was introduced to bowls at just
eight months old when he knocked over a set of carpet bowls at his
grandparent's house: "I was just messing about but within five minutes I was hooked! At the time, eight members of my family played bowls; my grandad Dave being the one who started it all. Nearly every day after nursery and primary school I would ask him to bring me to our outdoor bowls club at the time, Southwark Sports, and I just thrilled on it. I even had every birthday there when I was little! "My family remain my main motivation; they have been a huge part of my journey and they bring me to nearly every game, clap all the good bowls, give me praise or a congratulations on wins and it really keeps my chin up. Win or lose, I've got great support which keeps me very motivated. "I try to motivate myself a lot aswell, it's easy to feel frustrated if things don't go to plan so staying calm headed helps me play consistent bowls. "My only aim every season is to stay healthy, play with confidence and go as far as I can in competitions. Due to my last 5-6 years or so, I do have the belief I can win titles, whether it's county or national; however there are so many rounds to win in any competition for that to happen so I try to never get ahead of myself, take it game by game, and try to go all the way!"  To date, Joe lists his greatest achievements as being the Kent County Two Wood Singles Runner-Up outdoors in 2017, winning the Bowls England men's national Top Club with his team Bromley in 2021 and making his England Under 18 debut in the BIIBC series in Scotland in 2019, where he was a triples gold medallist. Joe said: "Each of these felt like a huge achievement. With the two-wood, I was 12, turning 13, and had a really tough run in Kent to get to the final, which qualified me for Leamington and my family were immensely proud of me for doing what I did, so young. "I was really nervous for my Under 18 debut, I wasn't sure what to expect and it did take me time to settle in, but the atmosphere slowly grew on me and I felt getting the gold that year was something I didn't expect for sure! "I moved to Bromley in the 2021 season, which at the time was a very strong club and I was picked for the top club in the pairs; we faced Culm Vale (Devon) in the final, which included the likes of Jamie Chestney and we won on the last bowl, extra end in the fours. Was truly an experience I will never forget. "To be selected for England is a dream come true and I'm honoured to be given the opportunity to put an England top on and give it my all alongside fantastic bowlers given the opportunity to do the same! "The trial this year was great, to trial and have a squad day on the same green as the U25 series is great and gives us a great advantage. It's also great seeing many usual familiar faces including the managers and it made it a great day. "I'm most looking forward to battling against Scotland again. It's always a one of a kind match that's always intense, and with them winning the last few series' I'm personally excited to see if we can do what they did to us in Glasgow 2024!" For Joe, one of the best things about bowls is the number of different competitions available to enter: "There's always a next bowls game to look forward to which is great. I've personally struggled a lot with anxiety since a young teenager and bowls has been my number one therapy for it. I also love the social side, you get to meet people of all ages and different backgrounds and that makes bowls events and matches really enjoyable! "One thing I would change is how bowls is publicised. Clubs could stream great inter club games like the Denny Cup, Yetton Trophy etc. I've played in and seen many great 21-20 singles games and I wish they were seen by more. I think it's an incredible sport that deserves more love." QUICK FIRE QUESTIONS:  1. What is your number one aim? To make it into the Top 16 one day, always a tough ask with the amount of top level bowlers there are, but from watching Potters World Bowls since a toddler on the TV, it's my dream. 2. Who is your toughest opponent? Harry Goodwin. A few years ago he came from Devon to Kent and really made his presence clear winning many titles including world titles, and any time I played with or against him, truly class. 3. Who is your role model? Andy Thomson MBE. I admired how he saw the game, always good decision making, kept calm, and always kind. I remember meeting him for the first time when I was only six or seven years old, and it felt like I met a celebrity; my hands were like jelly! 4. Do you prefer singles or team games? Singles and team games both have its positives. In singles you only have yourself and you play every shot on your own accord, which I like to a degree because when you win, you feel you've fully earned it. I love team games for many reasons, it works on teamwork but also in a team every position has a different purpose. I particularly love that if you play lead, and play consistent and good, it always provides a good chance for your team to build heads and win games. A great lead can win you a game. 5. Indoors or outdoors? Outdoors is where it all started for me, so that always feel natural. But I love indoors because it requires precision, and it allows you to play the same bowl over and over again, which can make you more consistent on a more often basis. Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Interview with James Rippey |
January 2025
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