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The Key to a Strong Lawn Bowls Club: Culture

club development

THE ROLL UP - INTRO

Walk into any bowls club and you’ll feel it straight away. Sometimes it’s the warm greeting at the door, the laughter around the tables, or the sense of pride members show when they talk about their club. Other times, it’s more subtle, the way people encourage each other on the green, or the respect shown to volunteers who make everything run smoothly.

This is club culture. It’s the heartbeat of a successful bowls club. Culture is what makes people feel like they belong, what inspires them to return week after week, and what keeps clubs thriving for generations.

A strong club culture goes far beyond winning games. It’s about shared values, mutual respect, and creating a welcoming environment for everyone whether you’re a long-time pennant bowler, a social member who enjoys a roll-up, or a newcomer giving bowls a go for the first time.

In today’s sporting landscape, where clubs are competing not just with each other but with countless other leisure activities, culture has become one of the most important factors in attracting and keeping members. Without it, clubs risk becoming transactional places where people come and go. With it, they transform into vibrant communities that people are proud to be part of.

In this blog, we’ll explore what culture really means in the context of lawn bowls, why it matters, and how your club can foster a positive environment where everyone feels connected, valued, and motivated to grow....

The Foundations of a Positive Club Culture

Inclusivity and Respect

Lawn bowls is a game for all ages and abilities. A thriving club actively celebrates this diversity, ensuring that every member whether a social player, a beginner, or a competitive bowler feels respected and supported.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Set clear standards of behaviour and encourage open conversations about inclusivity. Small things, like greeting new members by name, can have a big impact. Assigning hand picked members to "check in" on new members as they find their feet at your club can be a great tool to allay any concerns or provide personal guidance.

Shared Values and Vision

Members should understand the “why” behind the club. Is the focus on competition, social connection, community outreach, or a blend of all three? A clear vision provides purpose and helps guide decision-making.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Create a short club values statement and display it in the clubhouse. Use it when making decisions about events, uniforms, and partnerships.

Active Communication

Strong culture thrives on open communication. Members want to know what’s happening, how decisions are made, and where they can contribute.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Use multiple platforms including email newsletters, noticeboards, social media and team apps to share updates. Encourage feedback and make space for member voices to be heard.

Celebrating Successes

Nothing builds pride faster than celebrating achievements. Recognise not just the champions, but also the volunteers, first-time players, and those who embody the club’s values.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Highlight members of the month/year, share photos of milestones, and make celebration part of the club’s rhythm.

Encouraging Purposeful Practice

While culture is about relationships, it also connects to how members play the game. A club that values learning and growth creates an environment where bowlers improve together. Creating training/coaching sessions that are varied and engaging can help to foster a growth mindset.

How Leaders Shape Culture

Club executives, coaches, and senior players play a key role in modelling behaviour. Their actions set the tone whether it’s showing sportsmanship, mentoring new players, or demonstrating respect for volunteers.

✅ Bowls Academy Tip: Leaders should be visible, approachable, and lead by example on and off the green.

Making Club Culture Visible

Culture becomes stronger when it’s seen and experienced every day. Think about the small touches that reflect your club’s identity:

Warm welcomes for visitors.
Club merchandise that reinforces pride.
Storytelling - sharing your club’s history and heroes.
Rituals such as team huddles or social traditions.

FINAL END

Club culture isn’t built overnight or by a single committee decision. It grows through the everyday actions and attitudes of everyone from experienced bowlers to first-time visitors.

When culture is strong, members feel they belong, volunteers are proud to give their time, and players are motivated to improve together. Visitors leave thinking, “That’s a club I’d love to join.”

But when culture is neglected, engagement drops and clubs struggle to grow. That’s why focusing on inclusivity, communication, recognition, and purposeful practice is one of the smartest investments any club can make.

The best part? Culture can always be nurtured and strengthened. By leading with respect, celebrating small wins, and creating opportunities for growth on and off the green, your club can become a place where people don’t just play bowls - they belong.

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