Scotland team announced for 2024 Junior and Youth Internationals
Bowls Scotland is delighted to announce the players that have been selected to represent Scotland at the 2024 Junior Internationals and 2024 Youth Internationals.
The combined men’s and women’s Junior (Under 25) International Series will be contested between Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales at Belmont Bowling Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th September. Scotland has selected a squad of 14 men and 14 women who will compete in three rinks against each nation to determine an individual winner in both men’s and women’s events and an overall combined series winner.
In the men’s team, Scotland’s coaches have kept faith with the bulk of last year’s team as 10 of the 14 players selected competed in the 2023 series at Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club in Wales. There are four new caps to add to this year’s side with Arron Craig, Ross Gouldstone, Craig Mackintosh and Charlie Mitchell all earning their first U25 call ups.
The women’s team also features a familiar lineup after brilliantly winning their series last year. 12 of the 14 players involved were all part of last year’s winning side with the only two new caps being 2023 Bowls Scotland Ladies U25 Singles champion Rachel Pirie and Kingswood Bowling Club’s Michaela Smith.
The Youth (Under 18) International Series will also be contested between Scotland, England, Ireland and Wales on Sunday 21st and Monday 22nd July at Belmont Bowling Club, Belfast, Northern Ireland. A total of 14 players have been selected by each nation, which feature a mix of both young male and female players.
During the event, the 14 players will be split into various pairs, triples and fours teams as they will contest a number of test matches throughout the weekend. Scotland will be hoping to go one better than last year after narrowly losing out to England in the last session of play.
With a number of players now being too old for this age group, eight new caps have now earned the opportunity to represent Scotland in this year’s series. Sarah Campbell, Logan Fraser, Blair Gourley, Abbie Harris, Leah Hunter, Frazer Lees, Kyle Logan and Kayden Young can all look forward to making their international debuts next month.
Bowls Scotland’s U25 Pathway Lead, Colin Noon, said: “Once again it’s an honour and privilege to be leading this talented group of players into the Junior International Series.
“We’ll travel to Belfast in a confident mood, but won’t underestimate the challenge that faces us given the strength of the opposition. We are very lucky to have a strong group of players to choose from in Scotland and look forward to adding to recent successes at this age group.”
Bowls Scotland’s U18 Pathway Lead, Julie Forrest, added: “I am delighted to lead the youth international team into their series at Belmont Bowling Club in July.
“We have had a few changes this year due to players being too old but with the talent Scotland has we are confident that the balance of players selected will complement each other well.
“My thanks goes to all the support team for helping me pick this talented team and we look forward to the challenge that lies ahead.”
To view the 2024 Men’s U25 Junior International Team, please click here.
To view the 2024 Women’s U25 Junior International Team, please click here.
To view the 2024 Mixed U18 Youth International Team, please click here.
Daily reports and will be published on our website and social media pages throughout both events.