Development Officer's Report 2007

Development Report for the Annual General Meeting held at Bersham Sports & Social Club on Saturday 10th February 2007 

As previously stated in my letter that was circulated all clubs in December 2006, I was pleased to be appointed to the post of Development Officer in August 2006 and I am looking forward with optimism to a bright future for our game in general. I strongly believe that with the assistance of all the committed individuals that we have within our clubs we will be able to introduce the changes required that will give our game stability and bring success at all levels.     

                                                                                                                                               

 

JUNIORS

In 2007 we will be introducing some changes at junior level with the involvement of ex-junior county players, 18-25 years of age. They will be involved in the selection process of the junior county side for the forthcoming season. We hope that their involvement in administration will give them the necessary experience they need and will hopefully keep them involved for many years to come.   

Another change that been introduced regarding the Juniors is that the Welsh Junior Merit will be held on one day without the need of playing qualifying rounds in the areas, the event will take place at a venue in the Vice-President’s area, which this year will be in Flintshire. I would request that all clubs encourage their juniors to compete in this event and that for players having to travel the furthest clubs should assist with travelling arrangements to the venue e.g. share transport. In addition to the current prize structure for the event the Quarter Finalists (Last 8) will gain entry into the 2008 Junior Waterloo Handicap in Blackpool, this will be financed by the W.C.G.B.A.

JUNIOR DEVELOPMENT PLANS

During the forthcoming year I will be giving priority to encouraging more youngsters to participate in our sport. I intend to liaise with the various Educational Authorities in order to raise the profile of our game and raise awareness of the facilities available to the children in the various areas.

Another aspect of the Development of Juniors will be the availability of equipment to clubs that will enable them to arrange bowling sessions for juniors that will give them the initial experience of introducing them to the basics of the sport. As well as being a good means of learning it will also bring a fun element into the game. I will notify all clubs in due course when the equipment becomes available.   

                                                                                                                                               

 

ADMINISTRATORS

I strongly feel that more individuals should be getting involved within the administration of our sport, we have a wealth of talent and experience within our bowling community and their involvement could benefit our game greatly. In order for our game to survive for many years to come it is essential that these individuals consider offering their services at administration level.  This is why it was agreed that the Association would arrange Training Courses for anybody wishing to get involved in administration. I would be pleased to hear from any Individual who would like to become involved or would like to discuss any suggestions they might have for developing the future of our game.    

                                                                                                                                               

ADVERTISMENT & MARKETING

I would like to point out that all clubs have a responsibility in raising the profile of the game. One concept that the Association has adopted is to provide all clubs with posters for the purpose of displaying at various vantage points within the community e.g. Doctors/Dentists surgeries, Hospitals etc, this would hopefully give us the opportunity of raising awareness of the sport to a varied age group.

I am pleased to say that many clubs and leagues are now addressing the issue of the dress code by ensuring that all players are wearing the same coloured team tops. This I feel will go a long way in raising the profile of our game which will make it more attractive to sponsors and certainly when promoted in the press.

I am also pleased that the Association has appointed a Press Officer which will again hopefully help enhance the profile of our game through the media.

                                                                                                                                                           

In concluding my report I would like to commend the many individuals who work so hard in the development of our sport.

The work that is done by the Area Representatives with the organisation of the Junior Inter-Area League, this has given many junior boys and girls the opportunity to experience bowling at a county level. I’m sure with the commitment that is shown it has a healthy future.

Another aspect of our sport that has gone from strength to strength is at veterans level, again this is down to the hard work and commitment that many experienced individuals have shown in organising the various leagues that have been set up in all the areas.

I would also like to mention how pleased I was with the success the Welsh Ladies achieved in being crowned  B. C. G. L. B. A  Senior County Champions for 2006.

This is all encouraging news for our game and hopefully with more hard work and dedication we can keep on introducing improvements in all aspects of our sport.

I would like to wish you all well for the forthcoming season.

Brian Chamberlain

Development Officer