Simon Parsonage issues stark warning on falling bowls numbers
A leading light on the Shropshire junior scene has waded into the debate about the falling number of youngsters taking up the game – with a warning about the future of the sport.
County under-18 selector Simon Parsonage spoke out in the wake of Shropshire’s 251-shot home and away victory over the Potteries that featured two walkovers in the Drakes Pride British Junior County Championship match.
Potteries officials were forced to concede two games in their home leg at Bucknall Private and field youngsters who had hardly played a league game at Severnside in Shrewsbury in a total mis-match.
Parsonage admits there are many other distractions for youngsters these days, but feels bowls clubs and leagues need to do much more to try to turn the tide.
“The problem we also have is not all clubs are pushing youngsters forward,” he said.
“Whether it be information not being passed to their younger members or clubs not pushing and promoting the game.
“It can be done and we can get more youngsters involved – if the whole of the county pushes and promotes in one direction. And there are pockets of success within Shropshire.
“The bigger picture is (if we don’t act) our game will continue to die.
“All clubs and leagues are already suffering with lack of members and, of course, juniors play a role in the make-up of numbers.”
