2025 National Championships: Stage One Stars - Jessica Young
Craigentinny Bowling Club’s Jessica Young is the next player to feature in our 2025 National Championships Stage One Stars campaign.
At just 17-years-old Jessica has impressively qualified in four disciplines for this year’s National Championships taking place at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr from Saturday 26th July – Saturday 2nd August. If Jessica continues her winning streak, she could potentially play an unheard of 20 matches during the national finals in the Youth Triples, Ladies Junior Singles, Ladies Singles and Mixed Pairs.
Scotland’s international selectors have also taken notice of Jessica’s outstanding form in 2025, recently selecting her to be part of Scotland’s U18 international team that will compete in the Youth International Series against England, Ireland and Wales on Sunday 20th and Monday 21st July at the National Centre for Bowling, Ayr.
Jessica will team up with Lewis Linton and Jake Watling in the Youth Triples and multiple Scottish champion Andy Caldwell in the Mixed Pairs, with both her first round matches in these disciplines taking place on Saturday 26th July.
Find our full Q&A with Jessica below:
Q1. When did you start playing bowls and how did it come about?
JY: “I started bowling four years ago, but I’ve been taking it seriously for the last two years. My whole family plays but I was never forced into playing.
“I’ve been in bowling clubs my whole life and I’ve always shown an interest in it but never took it up until a few years ago, but it was the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Q2. What’s the best thing about playing bowls?
JY: “I love the social side of bowls, being able to play as a team and meeting new people. I’ve learnt so much from the other players I've played against.
“I also love the competition it’s a constant challenge, I’ve built so much resilience, not just as a player, but as a person. It’s tested my focus, patience, determination, and I enjoy every minute of it.”
Q3. How did it feel to qualify for the National Championships in four different disciplines?
JY: “Surreal. Honestly, it’s not sunk in yet. I was just taking one game at a time and the further I got the more I realised what I could achieve. I still can’t believe what I’ve done but I’m so grateful and excited I get to experience it.”
Q4. You were recently selected for the Scotland U18 international team. How much are you looking forward to receiving your first international cap?
JY: “It’s an honour to be selected and I’m so grateful to be able to represent Scotland. I can’t wait to experience that feeling again, as I was selected for the U17’s Scotland team last season indoor.
“My goal this year was to get selected for the outdoor team and I did, and I’m so proud I get to represent Scotland again.”
Q5. What would it mean to you to become a national champion in 2025?
JY: “It would mean the world to me but I’m just going to take it one game at a time. I’ve already exceeded my expectations just by getting there. So, I’m proud of whatever happens but if I do come away with a national title it would be a huge bonus.”
Q6. Do you have any future aspirations for your bowls career?
JY: “Well I’m just getting started in my international career and I hope to take it even further than U18’s. I can’t wait to see how far I can go and hope to be selected for the U25’s or the full women’s international team one day.”
A huge thank you to Jessica for sharing her story as part the lead up to the 2025 National Championships. For more information on this year’s event, please visit: https://www.bowlsscotland.com/competitions/national/national-championships