Bowling Club's Intergenerational Outreach Aims to Secure the Future of the Sport

In a bid to dispel the perception that bowling is a game for older, retired individuals, a bowling club in Bury, Greater Manchester has been welcoming a group of schoolchildren for weekly sessions. As of November 14th, 2025, the Tottington Park Bowling and Social Club has been inviting pupils from Tottington High School to participate in the program.

The club's chair, Geoff Leach, approached the school with the aim of bringing younger members into the club and helping to revitalize the sport of crown green bowling, which has been described as facing a threat among younger generations. Leach explains that the common perception is that people will only take up bowling once they retire, and he hopes this initiative will help change that mindset.

The sessions have proven popular with the students, who have expressed their enjoyment of the inclusive and community-building aspects of the activity. One boy participating in the program says he is now trying to get into the proper league, as his friends also play, and he finds it fun. Another pupil describes it as a good way to "connect with the community."

Club member Jean Crabtree, who plays alongside her husband Peter, calls the scheme "brilliant" and hopes the young players will continue with the sport. Peter Crabtree acknowledges that bowling is "dying" in Lancashire and says that even just getting a few kids to carry on with the sport will make the initiative worthwhile.