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SPOTLIGHT ON: TORQUAY UNITED INDOOR BOWLS CLUB |
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The club's inception was fuelled
by a simple yet ambitious idea: to meet the growing demand for
indoor bowls in the area while also helping Torquay United Football
Club generate revenue through leasing part of its facilities (the
club sits below the pitch). Fast-forward more than three decades,
and TUIBC has evolved into one of the most forward-thinking,
inclusive, and successful clubs in the UK. Built by bowlers The club's growth has been remarkable. Thanks to an already established local bowls scene and the unfortunate closure of nearby Teignmouth Indoor Bowls Club, membership quickly surged. Pre-pandemic, TUIBC boasted more than 180 members, and despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, it has since rebounded and expanded to an impressive 240 members, ranging in age from five to 95 years old. This growth hasn't happened by accident. The club's leadership and volunteers have transformed the space into a dynamic, member-focused facility that puts accessibility, enjoyment, and excellence at the core of its mission. World-class talent While community lies at the heart of TUIBC, so does competitive excellence. The club is home to a host of decorated players, including former World Champion Jamie Walker and elite names like Sam and Sophie Tolchard, Ryan Whitlock, Harriet Stevens, and Emma Cooper. In total, the club counts eight England internationals - four men and four women - among its members, many of whom have brought home national and Commonwealth Games titles. Yet TUIBC measures success not just by medals and trophies. As club secretary Gary Hitching says: "All our members are successes, it's the shot that wins you the end, the game that wins you the final, or the handshake that made you do better next time."  Innovation meets tradition One of TUIBC's most striking features is its cutting-edge facilities. It operates 24/7, allowing members to play whenever suits them using an electronic online booking system. Players can review their performances using an innovative multi-camera video system, a rare and valuable tool for coaching, self-improvement, or simply replaying that 'perfect shot.' In addition to standard leagues and competitions, the club runs year-round programmes - including summer leagues - and even hosts major tournaments in partnership with Riviera Bowls, which ran 31 events in Devon alone last year. Beyond bowls, TUIBC boasts a licensed bar, a popular bowls shop, and has developed its own clothing brand, now set to expand online. The club's upgrades, from LED lighting and heating systems to live streaming capabilities and digital coaching, signal a commitment to future-proofing while staying true to the sport's spirit. A culture of inclusion  If there's one thing that truly sets TUIBC apart, it's the
atmosphere. "We're not stuffy or old-fashioned," Gary says. "We play
music that suits whoever is on the green, we encourage all ages and
abilities, and we believe in attitude-free bowls."That philosophy isn't just lip service. TUIBC actively supports para bowlers, offering wheelchairs, mobility aids, and fully accessible play. It's also deeply engaged in social initiatives. Through the Bowls Against Dementia (B.A.D.) project, the club promotes low-impact sport as a tool to support mobility and cognitive function. One heartwarming example tells of a care home resident who had not spoken for four years - until, during a bowls session, he unexpectedly asked, "Is that jack high or just behind?" Weeks later, he was speaking to family overseas for the first time in years. Investing in the future Youth development is another key focus. In April, more than 100 schoolchildren attended introductory PE sessions, with more planned this autumn. This September, TUIBC will launch its Young Bowls Academy, a structured programme where juniors earn badges and recognition for mastering bowls disciplines - from marking and skipping to competitive play. Plans are also underway to enhance social spaces, including new décor, carpets, furniture, and the creation of a boardroom and conference suite. By 2025, the club will have installed a £12,000 digital scoreboard system, the first of its kind in a UK bowls facility. Long-term goals include expanding the junior squad, introducing a hot food kitchen, upgrading the green within three years, and ultimately capping membership at 300 to ensure quality over quantity. Modern bowls In the words of the club, "We're new bowls, not the old way." That mantra echoes through everything TUIBC does - from welcoming new players with open arms and tailored coaching to transforming the perception of indoor bowls as a vibrant, social, and modern sport. Whether you're a junior eager to learn, a seasoned national competitor, or someone simply looking for a friendly place to roll a few bowls with mates, Torquay United Indoor Bowls Club offers a warm welcome, world-class facilities, and a vibrant community. Needless to say the future of bowls in this corner of the country is bright! Sian Honnor. We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - Interview with Roy Porter |
July 2025
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