One of the top priorities within our ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy is to create positive playing experiences for all participants.

The introduction of a performance pathway to stretch our talented athletes and retain more young people in the sport underpins this ambition. 

We are therefore very pleased to announce our plans for young bowlers during the 2023 season at domestic and international level.

We are delighted that Aviva, the Insurance, Wealth & Retirement company, are the new Principal Partner of the England Senior and Junior International Squads. Aviva branding will feature on the England Team’s kits as they compete on the international stage this summer, including the World Championships on the Gold Coast. To learn more about the partnership, please click here.

Under 18 Open Singles Tournament

Oxford City & County BC in Oxfordshire

Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May

Oxford City & County BC in Oxfordshire will host a two-day Under 18 Open Singles event on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th May.

Entry will be taken on a first come, first served basis and limited to 64 entrants. Entry costs £5 per person and must be submitted online here. Entries will open at 12 noon on Tuesday 11th April. All games will be played in sets and each entrant will be guaranteed a minimum of three games (subject to full entry numbers being received).

The top men’s performer will be invited to represent England in this year’s British Isles Men’s Under 18 Singles at Ayr, Scotland, in June. At present there is no British Isles event for Under 18 women.

Junior Talent ID Day

Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa

Sunday 9th July

We will be hosting our second Junior Talent ID Day at Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa, on Sunday 9th July. The target group for this is young players aged under 18 on 1st April 2023. 

This event will provide an opportunity for the best young bowlers in the country to develop their skills under the watchful eye of our Performance Team – including Managers, Selectors and specialist Coaches. In addition to skills tests and match play, there will also be some off-green education activity to assist their personal development.

Nominees should have a track record at county level and/or display a high standard of ability that stands them out as ‘one for the future’. It is likely that players will have at least two years of playing experience. Players who attended the Talent ID Day in 2022 may be nominated for this event.

Junior Squad Training Day

Victoria Park, Royal Leamington Spa

Sunday 9th July

On the same day, Victoria Park will be hosting a Junior Squad Training Day to assist the Performance Team in finalising its plans for the Under 18 and Under 25 International Series’ detailed below.

To be eligible for these British Isles events, players must be aged Under 18/Under 25 as relevant on 1st April 2023. Counties may nominate players in multiple categories (for example the Talent ID Day and Under 18 International Squad; Under 18 and Under 25 International Squad) however we would encourage you to give thorough consideration to the player’s experience and/or ability to assist the Selectors with their selection process.

We would not expect a player to be nominated for both the Under 18 Talent ID Day and the Under 25 International Squad.

Under 18 Internationals

Ebbw Vale BC, Wales

Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August

The Under 18 International Series will be held at Ebbw Vale BC, Wales, on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August (travel on Friday 4th August). A team of six men and six women will be selected following the Junior Squad Training Day.

Under 25 Internationals

Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales

Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September

The Under 25 International Series will be held at Llandrindod Wells BC, Wales, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th September (travel on Friday 15th September). A team of 13 men and 13 women will be selected following the Junior Squad Training Day.

Nominations

All nominations must be submitted using our online form by a County Association representative. 

The closing date for nominations is 9am on Friday 28th April 2023. 

Selection

The Performance Team will conduct the Selection Process for the Talent ID, Under 18 and Under 25 Internationals in mid-May following which players will be notified by the end of the month.

Key Under 25 and Under 18 International dates for 2023

Sun 9 Jul: Junior Squad Day, Royal Leamington Spa
Sat 5 – Sun 6 Aug: Under 18 International Series, Ebbw Vale, Wales
Sat 16 – Sun 17 Sep: Under 25 International Series, Llandrindod Wells, Wales