The English Bowls Youth Development
	AN INTRODUCTION TO THE SCHEME
	The Scheme is a Partnership Initiative supported by the English Bowling Association, the English Women's Bowling Association, the English Women's Indoor Bowling Association, the English Indoor Bowling Association, the English Bowls Coaching Scheme, the English Women's Umpires Association - Bowling and the English Bowls Umpires Association.
	Its purpose is to provide a pathway to enable children and young people to participate in the sport of bowls and to develop their potential to whatever appropriate level they so wish. The Scheme started in November 2000 with the introduction of a series of County Invitation Singles events followed by six Regional Schools of Excellence and then a National School of Excellence. This format has now become firmly established and will again be followed during 2003/2004.
	We are anticipating that all Counties will be involved during this next year so there is no reason why any young person with potential to progress in the sport should not be afforded an opportunity to be considered for these events.
	It is important to appreciate that the Scheme is focussed upon both the indoor and outdoor codes for flat green bowling; furthermore an equal gender policy applies.
	Over the course of the past two years many clubs are reporting an increase in interest being shown by young people in the sport. Most counties are finding their activities for young bowlers being much better supported.