Bedfordshire teen calls for more young people to take up bowls
A 16-year-old boy from Bedfordshire is advocating for more young people to participate in lawn bowls after finding the sport helped him cope with a joint condition. Despite the sport's reputation as an activity for the elderly, he highlights its competitive nature and skill requirements.
Why it matters
It highlights the accessibility of niche sports for youth and the role of community clubs in supporting individuals with physical health challenges.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Matthew Lockwood Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire Contributed Thomas attended an open day at Leighton Buzzard Bowling Club and joined the same day A sport-loving teenager who turned to bowls after being diagnosed with a joint condition, wants to see more young people take up the game.
Thomas, from Bedfordshire, was diagnosed with Osteochondritis Dissecans (OCD) in 2023 after feeling his arm "pop" during a swimming competition.
He tried to carry on swimming and playing football, but things became "increasingly difficult" for him, so he took up bowls after attending an open-day at Leighton Buzzard Bowling Club.
The 16-year-old, whose ambition is to represent his country in the sport, said it was a shame that more young people do not play, because it is "a really competitive sport with a lot of skill and technique involved".
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