The Bowls England Board met virtually on 24 September 2025 to agree plans for the year ahead, leveraging the opportunities afforded by bowls’ inclusion in the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, and to review recent progress from the last 12 months.
A Summer to Remember
Chief Executive Jon Cockcroft presented the 2025–26 Operational Plan and Budget, which was approved by the Board.
Key initiatives include the launch of a Bowls’ Big Summer campaign, designed to capitalise on the increased visibility that the Commonwealth Games will provide.
Bowls’ Big Summer will build on the last five years’ worth of Bowls’ Big Weekend success, creating bigger moments that align with peaks throughout the year.
Moments will include a recruitment drive to mark the start of the season, maximizing international events and the national broadcast spotlight during and post the Commonwealth Games.
The campaign will replace Bowls’ Big Weekend to allow for a lengthened focus on recruitment, supporting affiliated clubs from the start of the season with their own open days and other recruitment initiatives, and working with clubs to ensure that they have the necessary resources to be ready to welcome new participants across the games period.
A Boost for Junior Bowls
The Board approved entering a £300,000 Sport England partnership to develop the Junior Talent Programme over the next four years, further strengthening the sport’s player pathway and increasing opportunities for junior players.
This is the first time that Sport England has invested directly into junior talent development in bowls, providing a great opportunity for our sport to thrive for years to come. This investment will support:
- Recruitment drive within 80 clubs aimed at junior able-bodied and para bowlers aged 12-15
- Expansion and standardisation of County Academies
- Introduction of mixed Under 17s County Competition culminating at National Bowls Finals and national Junior Para Competition
- Expansion of Regional and National Talent Development and Discovery events
- Greater contact time with national age-group squads
- Upskilling and expanding our coaching workforce
- Securing venues and facilities
- Developing player database, resources and content
- Introducing a hardship scheme
We will be recruiting for a Talent Pathway Lead to drive this programme and will be engaging with County Associations and others on this opportunity.
Improved Competitor Experiences for Players
Following a review of the 2025 season and feedback from players and officials, several competition changes for 2026 were agreed by the Board to improve the player experience and further enhance participation.
Adjustments include aligning para events with our Blue Riband competitions, amendments to the inter-county performance events for 2026 and amending the number of ends in Middleton Cup and Johns Trophy to 18 to better standardise fours games across the sport.
Due to the successful launch of the Foundation Pairs, it was also agreed to broaden the eligibility criteria to maximise participation.
The changes agreed will see the event become fully open, rather than gender specific, and an increase in the number of years that a new bowler is eligible from three to five years.
A Unified Future For The Sport
Work continues on the amalgamation project with the English Indoor Bowling Association (EIBA).
Consultancy Campbell Tickell has been appointed to manage the process.
The project will be shaped by the strong engagement received across the bowls community to date, including over 3,000 survey responses and positive discussions with County Association representatives during a number of sessions held during the Aviva National Bowls Finals.
Strengthening Inclusion and Governance
The integration of disability bowls into Bowls England’s structure has been a major step forward, with registrations of players, supporters and directors continuing to rise.
Building on this success, Bowls England has secured £40,000 in UK Sport funding to further support disability initiatives and social impact as part of its wider work linked to the 2027 World Bowls Championships.
The Board confirmed that Independent Director Emily Green will act as its Safeguarding Lead, in line with Sport England’s Code of Governance.
Draft changes to the Articles of Association were approved, paving the way for Bowls England to move to an appointed Chair and President structure.
These proposals will go to Members at a Special General Meeting in November.
The Transgender Working Party continues to make good progress, with a draft policy due for Board review in November.
Preparing for a Home World Championships
Planning for the 2027 World Championships continues at pace, with work underway on scheduling, ticketing, sponsorship, and venue logistics.
The Board approved the Organising Committee’s Terms of Reference and commended the team for its progress.
The meeting closed with recognition of the sport’s strong momentum heading into 2026 – with a clear focus on participation growth, community engagement, and a successful Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games and setting ourselves up for success with planning of a home 2027 World Championships.
A Summer of Success
The Board reflected on a highly successful international season, which resulted in several medals for our England team, including gold for our Men’s and Women’s teams, the Under 25 Women’s team, and Under 18s in their respective British Bowls International Series.
The Aviva National Bowls Finals were praised for strong attendance, enhanced online engagement, and the introduction of new competitions that have proven to broaden participation.
Bowls England extended its thanks to the volunteers and staff who helped deliver such a successful event.
The next Board meeting will take place on 21 November 2025 at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Coventry.
For the full board minutes, click here.