Last chance to sign up for Club Development Programme

15th November, 2019

Is your club losing members? Are you finding member recruitment a challenge? Do you want a helping hand to bring new people into your club?

If the answer is yes, then why not sign up for the Club Development Programme that is offered by the Bowls Development Alliance (BDA).

Since 2017 the BDA has supported more than 100 clubs through the Programme – with participating clubs recruiting an average of 20 new members per season. And every club that joins the programme is eligible for funding worth of up to £500 to help them to achieve their recruitment goals.

Susan Cooper, Development Director at the BDA, said: “We have used our expertise to inspire committees and volunteers to promote, transform and modernise their clubs, which has helped them to kick-start successful recruitment campaigns that bring new members. The size and level of the club does not matter. We have worked successfully with a diverse range of clubs – indoor and outdoor, small and large, elite and recreational.”

The deadline for applications from clubs affiliated to Bowls England is 31st March 2020.

Susan added: “This is the last chance for clubs to apply to the Programme before the end of our current Sport England funded ‘Play Bowls Strategy’ which covers the period to March 2021. We are expecting a high number of applications and only have limited capacity, therefore we encourage clubs that meet the criteria to apply as soon as possible. Clubs will be informed about the outcome of their application at the earliest opportunity.”

To apply, clubs need to complete the application form at: https://playbowls.org/clubs/club-development-programme

Alternatively, for more information about the Programme e-mail: clubdevelopment@playbowls.org

Additional Information:

The Club Development Programme offers clubs affiliated to Bowls England and the English Indoor Bowling Association unique support to develop their current membership numbers and recruit new people into the sport. Each club is allocated a Club Development Officer who will work with the Club Committee to:

  • Generate enthusiasm amongst club members;
  • Motivate them to volunteer and support the Committee in its initiatives;
  • Promote and raise awareness about the club in its locality;
  • Target potential new members and introduce new people to the sport;
  • Train club volunteers to organise and facilitate fun open days that will leave a lasting, positive influence on those completely new to the sport;
  • Re-structure the club and its activities to allow for the smooth integration of all new members;
  • Provide additional bespoke support depending on the club’s needs, including funding applications, research, improving the club’s accessibility and ensuring continuity in the work of the Committee

Club Development Programme – Criteria:

  • Clubs must be affiliated to either Bowls England or the English Indoor Bowling Association;
  • Clubs must have seen a net membership decline of three per cent or more over the past two years;
  • Clubs must be willing to be proactive and take on tasks set out in a Development Plan;
  • Clubs must have a demonstrable capacity for membership growth
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