#TrySomethingNew Introduction to Bowls Coaching Award
Last month, we were delighted to welcome 12 new budding coaches to our first Introduction to Bowls Coaching Award (IBCA) course of the year at Stirling Indoor Bowling Club.
The inclusive course was delivered for those with physical, learning or visual impairments in our continued mission to increase the diversity and quality of coaches we have across Scotland. Ten of the 12 attendees completed the IBCA course free of charge thanks to our Coach Education Subsidy Fund which helps to provide equal opportunities for our underrepresented groups.
There was a range of Commonwealth Games, World and National Medallists in attendance, as well beginner bowlers, with everyone learning new skills that will in turn help welcome new players into our wonderful sport.
Something for everyone
The IBCA course is designed with a focus on introducing new players of any age into the sport of bowls. Coaches are equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver fun and safe sessions to new bowlers of any age or ability.
Stuart Stevens, IBD (International Bowls for the Disabled) 2024 World Champion, will now be able to assist with coaching at his club, Greenfaulds BC who have seen an increase in membership over recent years as he explained:
“It was very good, there’s lots of things there to take back to our club to help out some new members. We’ve been very fortunate that we’ve picked up quite a few members over the last few years so there’s some really good stuff there that can help develop those players into more competitive club players – if they want.
Stuart added, “The content was great, I’d really recommend the course and it will allow us to put in a bit more structure for the new members. Everybody can then develop their game at their own pace and according to their own ability, making sessions more enjoyable for everyone involved.”
Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Gold Medallist, Rosemary Lenton also attended the course and will look forward to helping with Try Bowls events at her club Crichton Royal BC in Dumfries when the outdoor season starts.
Rosemary shared some feedback on the content of the IBCA courses games and activities, saying:
“It showed how you can adapt very simple things into a teaching method and adapt them to suit all levels of ability and all age groups as well. I think just about everything we learnt today can be used back at the club, and I think it will totally engage everybody.”
Building confidence and community
In 2024, 84% of newly qualified IBCA coaches said that they would now be confident in delivering a Try Bowls event at their own club. With 179 IBCA coaches qualified over the course of last year, Bowls Scotland hope to see our Try Bowls Clubs providing fun and inclusive opportunities for their communities to try our wonderful game throughout 2025.
Bowls Scotland’s Coach and Volunteer Manager, Adam Martin, said:
“Our first IBCA course of the year really has shown that our Education courses, not only have fully inclusive content, but are also fully inclusive in terms of educating new coaches from all backgrounds, regardless of ability or disability. It’s great to see some of our Scottish Internationalists taking on leadership roles within their clubs, using their experience and status to influence and encourage newcomers into the sport.”
For more information on Bowls Scotland’s coaching courses and learning and development opportunities for volunteers, please click here to visit our Annual Calendar.