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NATIONAL VOLUNTEERS' WEEK: CELEBRATING THE PEOPLE BEHIND BOWLS |
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During National Volunteers' Week,
the EIBA is celebrating the people who give their time, knowledge
and passion to support our sport at every level. For England Men's and Women's International Team Manager Andy Thomson, volunteering within the game has become an important part of his journey in bowls, even if it was never originally part of the plan.  "I had no aspiration of becoming a manager myself whilst I was playing for Mal Hughes, Peter Brimble and Tony Horobin, who were all great England managers," he said. During those years, Tony Allcock captained the side before Andy later stepped into the role himself following Tony's retirement. Andy's first experience of management came in 2016, when he was appointed England Under 25 Team Manager, a position he held for five years. After serving as assistant to Tony Horobin, he became England Men's Team Manager in 2022 before also taking on the Women's Team Manager role two years later. "The best part of being an international manager is seeing new players come into the set-up and establish themselves as top players," he said. "All managers are judged on how the team progresses, and I take a lot of pride in selecting the squad to represent England every year and ultimately winning the series." Andy believes volunteers are essential to the future of the sport.  "Clubs throughout the country rely on volunteers to help with administration roles and the many jobs that go into running them," he said. "I would encourage anyone who is thinking about volunteering to give up some of their time and knowledge in trying to create a better environment for everyone." For Lorraine Kuhler, EIBA Women's Junior International Team Manager, volunteering offers the opportunity to help shape the next generation of players. "Having been through the junior international pathway myself, I'm very aware of how a player's experience at Under 25 level can impact their future in the sport," she said. "To have an opportunity to shape and influence that process, and help players thrive in an encouraging and learning environment, is what appealed to me most about the role." One of the most rewarding aspects of the role, Lorraine says, is watching players develop both on and off the green. "Seeing players grow in both confidence and ability is the best part," she said. "Watching them achieve the honour and pleasure of wearing, and winning in, their England shirt fills me with pride and admiration." Like Andy, Lorraine says the sport simply could not function without volunteers.  "Volunteers in bowls are essential for the sport to survive and thrive," she said. "Clubs, counties and countries all need volunteers to successfully maintain their clubs, run competitions and stage major events." She added: "Some volunteers work full-time jobs and still give up their weekends to travel across the country and support players, all for the love of the game." Her message to anyone considering volunteering is simple: "Do it! It's so rewarding. If you've been lucky enough to gain the memories, experiences and lifelong friendships that I have from bowls, why not give something back?" Umpire Sue Mates has experienced first-hand the opportunities volunteering can create. Sue initially became involved as a marker before being inspired to train as an umpire after watching respected official Dawn Slater in action. "She was always completely focused on the game and able to respond quickly whenever needed," Sue said. "I was so impressed that I thought, 'I'd like to do that job and help players have the best experience possible'." Since qualifying, Sue has gone on to officiate at major events both nationally and internationally. "The best part of the role is when games are completed smoothly, or any issues are resolved quickly and correctly," she said. "There's a real sense of satisfaction that comes from that." Volunteering has also opened doors she never expected.  "As an ITO, it has given me opportunities to travel across the UK and internationally," she said. "I never imagined I'd be fortunate enough to work at some of these events and make friends with people from all over the world." Sue says volunteers are vital across every level of the sport. "From club opens to the Commonwealth Games, volunteers are essential to the smooth running of events," she said. "Bowls is not a sport with huge financial resources, so we rely heavily on the goodwill of volunteers who give their time and energy to help events succeed." Her advice to anyone considering volunteering echoes the sentiments shared across the sport: "Do it," she said. "I've been so lucky to experience everything I have through officiating bowls. There's a real sense of purpose, satisfaction and achievement that comes with giving something back to the sport." Sian Honor We' d love to know what bowls means to you, get in touch at info@eiba.co.uk Previous Article - HOW LEICESTER IBC IS BECOMING A LIFELINE |
June 2026
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