What is the programme?

Bowls for Health was a programme delivered by Formby Village Bowls Club and supported by MSP (formerly Merseyside Sports Partnership). The aim of the course was to improve the physical and mental health and wellbeing of older adults (one of Sport England’s key priorities) in the Formby and wider Sefton area.

Although The Bowls for Health scheme proper no longer exists, Formby Village Bowls Club continues to offer a programme of coaching to encourage participants to learn the basic skills about playing bowls, and enjoy the health benefits it gives.

• Participants will :
• Gain an understanding of the basic rules of the game including the origins of the game, how the bias of the ‘jack’ and ‘bowl’ work, and how this is counteracted by the ‘crown’ of the green.
• ​Specific skills include correct grip, stance, delivery rhythm and action, good alignment, correct position of the non-bowling arm for good balance, keeping the head still and in the correct position, picking a line when bowling/following the ‘jack’, distance control, how to score, correct measuring, green etiquette and awareness.

Later sessions will include an introduction to different strategies for out-thinking opponents.

Each session will start with a re-cap of the previous week and an opportunity to ask questions. As the weeks progress more pointers will be introduced to help participants improve their technique and understanding of the game, and you will be able to........

• Play friendly games
• Have an opportunity to socialise and meet new people
• Experience playing on other club courses in the local area

Who is it for?

Anybody over the age of 55 can join the programme, and we feel that the course may have significant benefits for people who would benefit from taking part in more gentle physical activity, those who have health problems or a disability and are socially isolated or experience mild to moderate mental health problems (e.g. depression or anxiety).

Participants must be able to commit to attending all sessions and be able to get to the club

(Rosemary Lane, Formby, Liverpool, L37 3HA).

Participants will be asked to complete pre-course and post-course evaluation questionnaires to help ascertain the benefits that they have experienced as a result of taking part.

When will it take place?
 

Please check back here soon for the dates of when teh courses will take place at Formby Village Sports Club.

The sessions will take place at the same time each week usually for six weeks. There will be four spaces available on each course.

Who will deliver the sessions?
​
All sessions will be delivered by David Croot, a qualified British Crown Green Bowling Association coach (licence number 7/92040/L1).

The club has a first aid kit and defibrillator in the adjacent clubhouse, and participants are also covered under the
club’s public liability insurance.

The FVBC "Bowl for Health" scheme has had an appropriate Risk Assessment put in place, plus the club has a Safeguarding Policy.

How can I refer someone to attend?

Contact the club by e-mail in the first instance