As part of our series, we will be profiling the future stars of bowls at both international & county level. In this edition, we focus on Charlie Beeton of Suffolk, who is the reigning British Isles and National Under 18 Singles champion and was part of the successful Under 18 International squad in 2023.
Key stats
AGE: 17
CLUB: Felixstowe & Suffolk BC
COUNTY: Suffolk
SOCIAL CHANNELS: Facebook
Success to date
LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS:
- 2019 – Sutton Winson Trophy Last 16
- 2021 – Family Pairs Last 16 (Skipped with Mum)
- 2021 – Top Club Semi Finalist (Lead triple)
- 2022 – Suffolk’s Youngest Middleton Cup Cap Aged 15
- 2022 – White Rose Semi Finalists (Suffolk)
- 2023 – Qualified for National Finals in Men’s Singles
National Titles:
- 2023 – EIBA U18 Double Rink Champion
- 2023 – Bowls England U18 Singles Champion
International Recognition:
- 2023 – EIBA U18 Internationalist (Triples Silver Medallist)
- 2023 – British Isles U18 Singles Champion
- 2023 – British Isles U18 Series Gold Medallist (Won 6 out of 6 games)
- 2024 – EIBA U18 Internationalist (Triples Gold Medallist)
- 2024 – EIBA U25 Internationalist
County Titles:
- 2022 Indoor Open U18 Singles Champion
- 2022 Indoor Open U18 Pairs Champion
- 2022/23 – Indoor Men’s U25 Singles Champion
- 2022/23/24 – Indoor Open U25 Singles Champion
GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE:
My greatest achievement to date would be becoming British Isles U18 Singles Champion, defeating Scotland’s Jamie Noon on his home turf with the support of my English and Scottish family.
MOST MEMORABLE MATCH & WHY:
2022 Felixstowe and Suffolk Tournament Week Men’s Pairs Semi Final with Tom Warren (Age 14) against John Rednall and Roger Adams. On the first end of the match, I played an impressive runner in difficult conditions to take out our opponents nearest bowl scoring us a full house of 8 shots. We managed to hold the lead for the rest of the match and went on to win the remainder of the tournament.
My Game
FIRST EXPERIENCE:
My Grandad took my down to Felixstowe and Suffolk on the back green where I rolled my first bowl and I’ve been addicted ever since.
FAVOURITE DISCIPLINE:
Singles or Pairs, I like the fact that you are always involved in the game and being able to use the full range of shots when needed.
STRENGTHS:
I am mentally strong and calm under pressure. This helps in high pressure situations making sure I play the right shot at the right time. I am also good at keeping a straight face, making my opponents guess how I’m coping with the game and conditions.
BEST FRIENDS IN BOWLS:
Lee Calver, John Rednall, Jack Burch, Sam Brugnoli, Rhianna Russell, Ollie Jeapes, David Craig (Uncle David), Aaron Miller, Logan Kennedy, but there are way too many to name.
The Future
ASPIRATIONS:
To be selected for both junior and senior England International teams, compete in the Commonwealth Games, world championships and to play in the Australian Bowls Premier League.
ONE THING YOU’D SAY TO GET SOMEONE TO TRY BOWLS:
Don’t mistake it for an old people’s sport as it can be played by all ages and abilities. It’s also one of the most addictive sports I’ve played and a great way to meet new friends.
If you know a young player in your club or county who we should feature on a future Bowls NxGen, please email daniel.ellicott@bowlsengland.com.