2025 International Women's Day - Jess Earl Q&A
To celebrate 2025’s International Women’s Day, we're delighted to share a Q&A with Jessica Earl from Westerton BC.
Jessica’s bowling journey began in 2017 at just five years old, playing at Yoker Bowls Academy under the guidance of her dad, Gary Earl, and Raymond Welsh, both who have been recognised with Bowls Scotland National Volunteer Awards for their dedication to youth coaching at the club. Now 13, Jessica has already achieved incredible milestones in the sport, including multiple appearances at the national finals in Ayr and representing her club at youth and district levels. In 2023 as well as competing in the Youth Pairs Finals, Jessica qualified for the Scottish U25 Ladies Singles Finals, playing against Scottish internationalist Rebecca Houston. With 7 appearances already under her belt for Dumbartonshire’s Bowling Association U25’s this youngster boasts an impressive bowls CV!
Jessica’s passion for bowls goes beyond competing, she’s also a strong advocate for youth involvement in the sport. As a member of Bowls Scotland’s Competitions Youth Working Group, she has been instrumental in shaping our youth-focused initiatives like the new U21 Team Challenge, ensuring young players have a say in the future of our game.
From winning club titles to competing in Bowls Scotland competitions and inspiring others to try the sport, Jessica embodies the spirit of International Women’s Day: breaking barriers, challenging norms, and empowering others. Read our Q&A below to find out more about Jessica’s journey so far and her vision for the future of the sport...
Q1. Why did you get involved in Bowls Scotland’s Competitions Youth Working Group (YWG), tell us about the role and why it is important to you?
JE: “I got involved in YWG following an open meeting at Queens Park BC. I had been Chair of my school's Pupil Council and always considered the 'pupil voice' as being important. I'm always aware that there are very few youths at Bowls Scotland meetings and suggested to then CEO, Alan McMillian, that a Youth Group would be beneficial to the progress of youth development and youth competitions within the sport. Before the YWG everything relating to youths was designed by adults without consulting the youth players who are the participants. It’s important to consult the youths, as this will encourage more youths to play the sport.”
Q2. Having helped create the new U21 Team Challenge event as part of your role, tell us why you think this new event is an exciting opportunity for young bowlers?
JE: “The U21 Team Challenge is the first competition which has been designed by the YWG and I'm excited to see the teams that enter. The definitive age category allows a real mix of players at various levels to participate and provides opportunities for many players to progress their game. Players can test themselves against better players without feeling intimidated by playing against established players older than 21.”
Q3. Why did you first start bowling and what do you enjoy most about the sport?
JE: “My Dad has been playing since 1988 and when he established a Bowls Academy it was the perfect time to try bowls. With proper coaching it became very enjoyable and in a short period of time it became clear that I was quite good. I now enjoy being competitive and playing with and against players at a higher level.”
Q4. What message would you give to other girls your age to encourage them to try bowls?
JE: “I think any girls trying bowls should not just try on a one-off basis, but should participate for a longer period. The sport is fun, friendly and can also be competitive. It’s a unique sport that provides for all levels of participation and ages.”
Q5. Tell us about the people who have supported you as a young bowler and how this has helped you?
JE: “My Dad has coached me for 8 years, since the age of 5. He has played 110 times for his County, won multiple club championships and is a National Champion, representing Scotland in 2008, so it’s great to have him as a coach, giving me valuable advice, though sometimes he can be overly harsh. My other coach Raymond Welsh has also supported me through this period and gives me great advice and tips on how to improve my game. Commonwealth Gold Medalist, Pauline Wilson, has also been a great friend, mentor and role model and offers me excellent support, advice and guidance and is also our Academy Ambassador. Having been involved in the International Assessment weekend in 2024 I very much admire Julie Forrest and is another huge role mode of mine. Her knowledge of the game is excellent, as is her coaching. The assessment weekend was an excellent experience and I have now watched her a lot on YouTube including her recently winning the World Indoor Championships.”
Q6. What are you looking forward to during the 2025 season?
JE: “In the 2025 season I am looking forward to progressing further in club competitions, playing U25 County and representing Westerton BC in Scottish Mixed Pairs with my Dad. I'm also looking forward to the U17 Youth tournaments and participating in all Bowls Scotland competitions over the season, including the Podium Pathway. Hopefully if my season goes to plan I will be invited to this year’s International Assessment.”