THE Murray Mallee Region recently held a junior coaching day for eight of the regions up-and-coming junior bowls players, with attendees receiving coaching and getting valuable tips to help them improve their individual game.
With bowls players from Mildura, Manangatang, Nyah District, Leitchville and Swan Hill, the day was a good indication of the young local talent emerging from all parts of the region.
Held at Murray Downs Golf and Country Club, the juniors were able to compete in matches against one another, with the day being described as a great success with everybody in attendance getting a lot out of the day.
Bowls Victoria Country Manager – North West Bowls Josh Thornton was the one who organised the coaching day, with plans in place to increase the opportunity junior bowlers have in the district.
“It went really well, I don’t think there has been that kind of thing organised here before, so it is really good to give these junior bowlers the opportunity,” he said.
With those in attendance ranging from ages five right up to the age of 16, there is definitely a bright future for junior bowlers and Mr Thornton is hoping to help them climb the competitive ladder.
“There’s pathways there for them to go onto playing at state championships and representing Australia, so it’s good to give them the platform to rise to that level in the future,” he said.
The increased attention to junior bowls has been a positive move almost immediately. Mr Thornton will be taking two teams of four to take part in the Doug Kneebone Tournament in Sunbury on January 13, with hopes that a squad can be developed in the near future.
“It would be great to have an actual junior squad with matching uniforms and all that, a lot of these kids haven’t really played as part of a team with kids their age so it would be great to get that going,” he said.
The creation of the squad would be extremely beneficial for the district’s young bowlers with ambition, as it would create the opportunity for them to receive regular specialised coaching while competing against some of the best metro and regional bowlers across Victoria.
Anybody who is interested in junior bowls is encouraged to get in touch with Mr Thornton at josht@bowlsvic.org.au.
