Young people getting the lay of the lawn

Figures from Auckland Bowls show that younger people are unplugging from the digital age and taking to the bowling green.

An Auckland Bowls press release said that investments from the organisation over the past few years have prompted a 75 per cent increase in first-year bowlers, with many being outside the conventional demographics.

Auckland Bowls General Manager Phil Vyver said in the press release that his team is “delighted” with the sport’s increasing popularity.

“We are clearly seeing the benefits of this investment, particularly amongst players outside of our traditional demographics,” said Mr Vyver.

Manger of Pt Chevalier Bowling Club Jenny Jones said that the younger players of the club have become more valued among the 481 members.

“Compared to other bowling clubs, our amount of younger members is bigger by miles.

“The younger guys are winning everything.”

Ms Jones also said that in last year’s nationally televised bowls competition Bowls3Five, her club had boasted a winning team with two of the team’s members being considerably younger participants.

“Our skip (lead) at the time was 19 years old and his team mate 24 years old. The other team mate was a bit older,” said Ms Jones.

However, 20-year-old Matthew Fay, who plays for Bowls Warkworth, said his club is lacking in younger members and urges them to get involved to take a break from the “hectic, digital life”.

“It’s a good time and a good opportunity to take a break from everything. It would be awesome to have more people my age involved at our club.”