By Erdington Local news team
Erdington Court Bowls Club is appealing for volunteers to help with a national research project.
On Friday, 22 April, officials from Bowls England will be using two of the club’s rinks for an active study which could help determine the future of the sport.
Erdington Court marketing officer Ray Woods said: “Bowls England will be using two of our all weather outdoor rinks for a new research project that will be rolled out nationally in a month or two’s time.
“They are looking for volunteers in a range of ages from juniors upwards, who do not play bowls currently.
“The research will include two separate sessions, one at 10am and another at 11am. Each will be followed by 20 minutes of feedback from the participants.”
He added: “The volunteers will be provided with free drinks and biscuits.
“This is purely for research purposes and there will not be any pressure for volunteers to take up bowls – unless they express an interest – and they do not need to live near our own club.”
Bowls England are researching how to make the sport more inclusive to ensure it thrives in years to come.
The national sporting body want people of all ages and backgrounds who have never played bowls before to volunteer.
To volunteer and take part in the research project ring the club on 07801 227 367
Ray said: “This is about the future of the sport as Bowls England wants the sport to be more inclusive.”
Erdington Court Bowing Club is the biggest flat green bowls club in North Birmingham and all abilities are welcome.
The club has been at its ground, near Goosemoor Lane, for nearly 100 years.
The ground was previously the Methodist Youth Club but in 1925 became the Bowls Club. In the mid 1970s the club built its indoor bowls rink making it one of the only club’s in the country to have both indoor and outdoor bowls arenas.
The club is also holding its annual open day on Sunday, 29 May, from 11am where anyone is invited to have a go at the sport.
Bowls will feature in this summer’s Commonwealth Games.
For more on Erdington Court Bowls Club visit www.erdingtoncourtbowlsclub.org.uk