The All-in-One Bowls Club Management System
The tradition of bowls is evolving. Across Britain, clubs are recognising that the sport's future lies in opening greens to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
With that said, is your club ready to welcome the millions of people in the UK who live with a disability? From mobility aids that transform access to wheelchair-accessible greens and adaptive coaching methods, the movement towards truly inclusive bowls clubs in the UK is gaining momentum.
This shift isn't just about doing the right thing; it's about recognising that when we remove barriers, everyone benefits. Players gain confidence and community, while clubs strengthen their membership base and secure their future.
The statistics tell a compelling story. According to a report published in 2024, as of 2022/23, here in the UK, 16.1 million people have a disability, representing 24% of the total population. Disabled people are almost twice as likely to be physically inactive (43%) compared with those without a disability (23%).
However, there is evidence to suggest that improved accessibility really is worthwhile. When disabled adults engage in regular sport, the wellbeing value generated is more than double that for the average active adult, at £5,100 per year, and bowls is uniquely positioned to bridge this participation gap.
Plus, the benefits of making your club an inclusive sport environment extend across every aspect of club life:
Bowls for all abilities isn't charity work – it's smart club management that benefits not just the individual, but the club as well.
Ensuring bowls accessibility begins with your physical environment. Many clubs discover that meaningful improvements don't require complete renovations, just strategic thinking about pathways, surfaces, and access points.
Wheelchair-accessible greens start with level access from the car park to the rink. This means assessing gradients, installing ramps where necessary, and ensuring pathways are wide enough (this should be around 2m under normal circumstances) and surfaced with firm, non-slip materials. Some forward-thinking disability-friendly bowls clubs have installed flush thresholds between surfaces, eliminating the lip that catches wheelchair wheels.
Your clubhouse matters as much as your greens. Modern accessible facilities include properly sized disabled toilets with appropriate fixtures, lever-style door handles throughout, and accessible parking bays close to the entrance. Height-adjustable seating in social areas, clear signage with high contrast, and improved lighting both on and around the green transform the experience for members with various needs.
Also, many clubs report that better drainage benefits everyone, not just those using mobility aids, while enhanced lighting extends playing hours and helps members with visual impairments follow the jack more easily.
The right equipment makes participation possible. Adaptive bowls equipment has evolved considerably, addressing everything from reduced grip strength to complete loss of mobility.
Lightweight bowls crafted from modern materials suit players who struggle with traditional woods, while bowling arms and delivery aids enable players without the strength or dexterity for conventional delivery. These mechanical arms attach securely, allowing controlled release with minimal physical effort.
For visual impairments in bowls, tactile jacks (textured or with bells inside) and high-contrast marker discs help players track positions. Audio beepers can mark the jack's location, while specialised mats with raised edges guide delivery. Portable ramps assist those who cannot bend or crouch.
Sourcing this equipment has become simpler as companies like Thomas Taylor and Drakes Pride all offer adaptive ranges, while partnerships with disability sports organisations like Activity Alliance can unlock funding opportunities.
Many clubs purchase basic sets for members to trial before investing personally. This approach, combined with adaptive sports programmes, lets potential members experience inclusive sport without upfront costs.
Equipment alone doesn't lead to inclusive bowls clubs. The culture you build determines whether new members feel genuinely welcome or merely tolerated.
Some clubs run disability-specific sessions, creating spaces where players learn alongside others with similar challenges. Others integrate disabled members into existing roll-ups and competitions, adapting formats where needed. Neither approach is universally superior – the key is consulting your members about their preferences.
Trained coaches make the difference, as disability awareness training helps coaches understand different impairments, adapt their communication styles, and modify techniques without patronising. Some clubs assign buddy systems, pairing new members with experienced players who provide informal support.
Consider rule adaptations thoughtfully, because shorter ends, lighter jacks, or additional delivery time can level the playing field without compromising competitive integrity. Many clubs discover that flexible formats benefit everyone – a 10-end game suits players managing fatigue, whether from disability, age, or busy schedules.
Para-bowls initiatives provide competitive pathways, while strong social programmes ensure that not every session needs scorecards.
If you're wondering where to begin, start with conversation and observation. Transformation doesn't happen overnight, and the most successful inclusive sport initiatives build progressively.
Your first steps towards becoming more inclusive:
Many clubs find that the changes benefiting disabled members improve experiences for everyone. Better lighting helps older players. Comfortable seating supports those with chronic pain. And clear wayfinding assists visitors unfamiliar with your layout.
With 24% of the UK population living with a disability, inclusive bowls clubs in the UK aren't just morally right; they're financially sustainable and competitively vibrant.
The future of bowls for all abilities looks bright. Clubs embracing accessibility ensure the sport threads through another generation, strengthening the entire community.
And if you’re looking to make bowls club management more accessible, Bowlr is here to help. Our cloud-based system dramatically reduces admin time, simplifying the management of member details. No more diaries and spreadsheets when managing your expanding membership base.
Call us on 01202 684400 or fill in our contact form to discover how Bowlr simplifies club management, freeing up time for you to focus on more important matters, such as inclusivity.