Empowering global growth in bowls through strategic education and upskilling its players, volunteers and workforce – that’s the focus of an exciting new World Bowls (WB) partnership with the World Academy of Sport.

In announcing the strategic partnership with the World Academy of Sport (WAoS), to develop and deliver structured learning resources for its global membership, WB now needs your help to shape the future of learning in bowls by completing a quick survey.

The aim of the partnership is to address the significant gap in access to quality education and training tools for many member nations and participants – crucial elements for developing and growing the sport through local talent, enhancing athlete performance, and elevating event delivery standards.

With a diverse and globally spread membership, WB recognises the need to empower member nations with the tools required to build sustainable capacity across playing, coaching, officiating, administration, and event management.

The initiative reflects WB’s commitment to fostering inclusive participation and building capacity and capability across generations and communities.

“Bowls offers a unique opportunity for engaging multiple generations in sport and recreation, helping them actively age and maintain physical and mental health,” said Brett O’Riley, President of World Bowls.

“As one of the few sports where grandparents can play alongside their grandchildren, we see immense potential for social and community connection. I am continually inspired by how resourceful and passionate bowls communities are around the world. This partnership will allow us to support and grow that enthusiasm with the right learning and development resources.”

The partnership with WAoS will leverage its deep expertise in working with other International Sports Federations to design education systems tailored to their sport and membership needs. WAoS brings a global team of trainers and robust digital learning technologies to the collaboration, enabling content to be delivered in multiple languages and formats.

Chris Solly, managing director of WAoS, commented: “We are excited to partner with World Bowls to strengthen the sport’s global learning ecosystem. Our experience shows that where sports invest in structured, accessible learning, long-term growth naturally follows. This partnership will support World Bowls in laying the foundations for sustainable capacity and capability building in every region, regardless of current resources or scale. We look forward to helping the bowls community unlock its full potential.”

The first phase of the partnership involves the creation of a comprehensive learning plan that outlines a long-term roadmap for education and development within the sport. To ensure this roadmap reflects the real needs of the global community, WB invites all stakeholders to contribute their perspectives via a stakeholder survey.

To participate in the survey and help shape the future of learning in bowls, please click here and share widely with others in the bowls community.

Thank you for your support of this important project.

For more information, please contact Neil Dalrymple, CEO World Bowls ceo@worldbowls.com