Bowling clubs across the UK vary in size, membership, and facilities, but the most successful ones share common traits that keep them thriving year after year. Whether you’re part of a club committee looking to improve or a bowler seeking the best experience, here are ten essential factors that make a bowling club successful.
1. A High-Quality Playing Green
The heart of any bowling club is its green. A well-maintained playing surface ensures fair play, attracts competitive players and enhances the overall experience. Proper greenkeeping includes regular mowing, aeration, scarifying, top dressing and ensuring good drainage. Investing in professional greenkeepers or training volunteers to maintain the green at a high standard is crucial. It is well worth investing in high quality interchangeable cylinder mowers that will last you many years. The best equipment will get you the best bowling green surface!
Ways to Fund This:
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Apply for sports grants from local councils, Sport England or Bowls England for mowers.
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Seek sponsorship from local garden centres, turf maintenance companies or landscaping businesses.
- Work with mower manufacturers who provide training to bowls club volunteers
2. A Welcoming Clubhouse and Bar
A bowling club isn’t just about the sport—it’s a social hub. A clubhouse with comfortable seating, a well-stocked bar and a welcoming atmosphere keeps members engaged beyond match days. A well-run bar can generate significant revenue, helping to fund club improvements.
Ways to Fund This:
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Introduce themed bar nights, such as quiz nights, karaoke, or live music events to encourage spending.
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Partner with local breweries or drinks suppliers for sponsorship or discounts on stock.
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Rent out the clubhouse for private functions, such as birthdays, christenings, wakes or meetings when not in use.
3. Active and Engaged Membership
Successful clubs have a strong sense of community. Encouraging members to get involved in club activities—whether through social events, competitions, or volunteering—helps retain existing members and attract new ones. Organising member appreciation events, club days, and awards nights can strengthen engagement.
Ways to Fund This:
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Introduce a referral scheme, offering discounts or perks to members who bring in new recruits.
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Run a "friends of the club" program where supporters can donate for perks like exclusive club gear or recognition on a sponsorship board.
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Offer a small discount for those who pay their membership fees upfront or commit to multi-year memberships.
4. Strong Social Media and Marketing Presence
In today’s digital world, marketing plays a huge role in attracting new members. Clubs that actively promote themselves on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, as well as through a well-maintained website, stand out. Regular updates on events, match results and behind-the-scenes content help build engagement and grow the club’s reputation. Use a professional photographer/videographer to get you some high quality imagery to use for graphics etc.
Ways to Fund This:
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Secure a local business sponsor for your social media or website in exchange for advertising space.
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Run crowdfunding campaigns or online raffles to raise funds for digital marketing improvements.
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Use free marketing tools like Canva for graphics and Mailchimp for email campaigns to keep costs low.
5. A Clear Membership Recruitment Strategy
To sustain and grow a club must constantly bring in new members. Successful clubs run open days, offer beginner sessions, and engage with local schools or community groups. Clear pricing structures, flexible membership options and a simple sign-up process make joining easy and appealing.
Ways to Fund This:
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Offer corporate membership packages for local businesses that want to use the club for team-building days.
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Apply for funding to run beginner sessions under community sports initiatives.
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Partner with schools or colleges and apply for education grants to introduce young people to bowls. Those young people also have parents and grandparents who may want to play themselves.
6. A Well-Organised Committee and Leadership Team
A club’s success depends on strong leadership. A proactive committee that communicates well, makes informed decisions and works toward the club’s long-term goals helps everything run smoothly. Effective leadership also ensures that funding, sponsorships, and events are managed efficiently.
Ways to Fund This:
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Organise grant-writing workshops for committee members to improve fundraising efforts.
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Offer honorary memberships or small incentives for dedicated committee volunteers.
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Host an annual fundraiser to bring in additional financial support for leadership initiatives.
7. Regular Competitions and Events
Hosting internal club competitions, league matches and social bowls events keeps members engaged and attracts visiting teams. Special tournaments, charity days and themed events create buzz and bring in spectators, boosting revenue and membership interest.
Ways to Fund This:
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Charge entry fees for competitions and reinvest profits into the club.
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Seek sponsorships for trophies and prize money from local businesses.
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Sell event sponsorship packages, including banner advertising and branding at club tournaments.
8. A Diverse Range of Activities
While competitive bowling is essential, successful clubs also cater to social bowlers and casual players. Offering activities such as fun nights, family-friendly events and corporate days widens the club’s appeal and introduces more people to the sport.
Ways to Fund This:
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Offer "pay to play" sessions for casual bowlers who don’t want full membership.
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Run bowls experience days for businesses or local groups at a set fee per participant.
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Organise additional non-bowling activities, such as fitness sessions or yoga in the clubhouse for extra income.
9. Sponsorship and Fundraising Initiatives
Generating income beyond membership fees is crucial. Clubs that secure sponsorship deals with local businesses, apply for grants, and run fundraising events such as raffles or quiz nights benefit from additional financial support, allowing them to invest in facilities and development programs.
Ways to Fund This:
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Create different sponsorship levels (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) to attract a variety of business sponsors.
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Set up a JustGiving or GoFundMe page for specific projects like clubhouse improvements.
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Organise a sponsored challenge, such as a "24-hour bowls marathon" or "walk for the club" fundraiser.
10. A Friendly and Inclusive Atmosphere
At the core of every thriving bowling club is a welcoming environment where new members feel at home. Whether it’s a junior, a complete beginner, or a seasoned bowler, clubs that embrace inclusivity, sportsmanship and camaraderie create a lasting community that people want to be part of.
Ways to Fund This:
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Secure funding from diversity and inclusion initiatives to make bowls accessible to all.
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Apply for grants that support disability-friendly sports facilities.
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Partner with local charities to host inclusive sports days, boosting exposure and potential funding.
By implementing these strategies and making the most of funding opportunities, a bowling club can thrive both competitively and financially, securing its future for years to come.