National Volunteer Award Profile – Alex Cathie

The latest winner of the Bowls Scotland National Volunteer Awards is Alex Cathie from Coylton Bowling Club, who has been recognised for his outstanding contribution to the club and his continued dedication to supporting the sport both on and off the green.

Alex has been involved in bowls since the age of 14 and has given his time to the sport in a number of ways over the years, including through club volunteering, coaching and his current role as Match Secretary at Coylton BC.

Reflecting on how he first became involved in volunteering, Alex joked that it came from being “in the right place at the wrong time when things need done”, but said giving back has always been part of his involvement in the sport.

“No seriously, I have always given time to help within the clubs I have been a member of. I also coached Prestwick Indoor junior section for 15 years. The main thing is for people just to get involved.”

That willingness to get involved has been a consistent theme throughout Alex’s bowling journey. Having seen first-hand the time and effort put in by his parents and others when he was younger, Alex understands the importance of volunteers in keeping clubs running and helping the sport thrive.

“Bowling clubs have always relied on volunteers. Having been involved in bowls from the age of 14 and seen first-hand the work my parents and others put into bowls, as I get older myself you have more free time available to help the club, as without the time and effort of volunteers clubs will not survive.”

Alex was nominated for the award by Craig Cathie, who highlighted the passion and commitment Alex puts into developing the sport and helping create a lasting legacy for future years.

Craig said: “I nominated him because I see first-hand the effort and passion he puts in to developing the sport and leaving a legacy for future years. He’s not someone who does any of it for recognition. He simply has a love for the sport and I believe it’s right to recognise and show appreciation to people like that who are the backbone of bowls.”

In his role as Match Secretary, Alex plays an important part in strengthening both competitive and social play at Coylton BC. From supporting team selections to helping organise competition schedules, his contribution has helped keep members engaged and encouraged new players to take part.

Craig added: “Alex has massively strengthened competitive and social play at our club, introducing new competitions and also gatekeeping historical competitions, ensuring schedules of play are kept to. He has helped develop brand new players through competition formats and team selections, ensuring they remain enthusiastic and engaged.”

For new members who may feel apprehensive about putting their name forward for selection, Alex’s advice is simple: take that first step and get involved.

“No one starts as a champion, we were all in the same boat at the start. Our club play in different leagues and the level of competition varies. When I do select less experienced players, I always match them up with good players to help guide, improve and support the newer members. The main thing is for people just to get involved and enjoy the game.”

That approach reflects Alex’s wider view of bowls as a sport that should continue to develop, adapt and welcome new people. Looking to the future, he believes clubs must embrace new ways of doing things while still respecting the traditions that make the sport special.

“Embrace new ways of doing things, without throwing the baby out with the bath water, and get younger people on committee, the 30-40 age group who have fresh ideas. Better promotion of the sport to capture the 30+ age group that are finishing playing football and rugby and want to continue playing a competitive sport.”

Craig also highlighted the wider importance of volunteers across the bowls community, particularly at local clubs where every player begins their journey in the sport.

“Volunteers are hugely important as without them local clubs don’t function, and local clubs are where every single player starts their bowling journey. Most clubs operate on a not-for-profit basis, reinvesting any profits made into their clubs. Volunteers are key to maximising revenue to invest and keep clubs thriving without the need for paid staff.”

For Alex, receiving the National Volunteer Award came as a complete surprise and was a proud moment.

“It was a huge surprise and very proud moment to receive the award, something I was not expecting. The award sits proudly in my den with my other trophies.”

Alex’s story is a fantastic example of the difference dedicated volunteers make to clubs across Scotland. Through his passion for bowls, support for new players, coaching experience and commitment to strengthening club competition, he continues to make a lasting impact at Coylton Bowling Club.

Huge congratulations to Alex on behalf of everyone at Bowls Scotland for receiving this thoroughly deserved National Volunteer Award.