Drive to Success - Player Pathway: 2026 Expressions of Interest
We are thrilled to launch the open Expression of Interest (EOI) form for the 2026 Podium Pathway, and we urge all aspiring bowlers across Scotland to register their interest now!
Completing the EOI form before Sunday 1st March 2026 is the essential first step for all bowlers wishing to be considered for the Senior, Para, U25 and U18 Scotland international teams in 2026. The EOI form collates necessary personal details, affiliated club information, and ensures you acknowledge the required standards for participation in the Pathway.
To complete an expression of interest form, please visit: https://bowlsscotland.justgo.com/workbench/public/events?ref=F94153D710F2BBC69669490CE076C5802E119235
With the second year of our Drive to Success – Podium Pathway now complete we continue to take learnings from each year to ensure we offer the best environment for players to thrive, develop and succeed.
A summary of developments for 2026:
- COMPETITION CALENDAR: Podium events will remain over three dedicated weekends, with improved collaboration with other competition stakeholders to minimise clashes.
- ESSENTIAL DC COMMUNICATION: Please communicate with your District Co-Ordinator to confirm any Stage 1 National Championships disciplines you may be participating in to minimise any clash of dates.
- WIDER ACCESS TO PODIUM OPENS: We are expanding the venue variation of Podium Opens across the four key regions, directly addressing your feedback to capture a wider geographical area.
- CONSISTENT COMMUNICATION: Online Player Information Evenings will continue, starting with the first session on Monday 16th February 2026, to keep you fully informed.
- CLEARER ROUTE TO IDENTIFY TALENT: The Pathway continues to grow! With over 400 participants in podium events in 2025 we want to ensure competition and assessing resources are effectively used to identify potential international talent.
- SQUAD PLAYER ASSESSMENT: Those involved in the 2025 international senior squad do not need to participate in Podium Opens and will be invited directly to the assessment weekend. International senior squad players have been observed and assessed throughout international events, and this will continue at pathway training days that continue through the indoor season.
REMINDER:
- To ensure we have accurate data for 2026, ALL players, even those who participated previously in Podium events or selected squads, need to complete a EOI form for 2026.
- Please have your EOI form submitted by Sunday 1st March 2026.
- If you require further information, please contact Kareena Cuthbert (Head of High Performance Bowls), via kareenacuthbert@bowlsscotland.com.