The spotlight will fall firmly on the county this month when Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club hosts the European Championships, marking the first time the prestigious tournament has been staged in Wales. The event will bring some of Europe’s top bowlers to Mid Wales for eight days of international competition, featuring men’s and women’s singles, pairs, triples and fours, alongside para and visually impaired disciplines.
While the championships will showcase the sport at the highest level, bowls is far from being just for elite athletes!
A Sport for Life
Bowls is a sport that can be enjoyed at any age and stage of life. Whether you’re looking to try something new, stay active, meet new people, or test yourself in friendly competition, there’s a place for everyone on the green.
As well as being a great way to keep moving, bowls helps develop coordination, balance, and concentration, making it beneficial for both physical and mental wellbeing. Just as importantly, it’s a social activity that brings people together, helping to build friendships and create a sense of community.
The beauty of bowls is that you can take part in a way that suits you. Some people enjoy a casual game with friends, while others take part in leagues, competitions and matches. However you choose to get involved, you’ll be joining a welcoming sport with a strong community spirit.
If you’ve never played before, there’s no need to worry. Many clubs across Powys warmly welcome beginners and offer opportunities to try the sport, often with equipment available to borrow, making it easy to get started and discover whether bowls is for you.
Get Involved With A Club Near You
For those interested in the outdoor game, there are welcoming clubs across the county ready to help you get started. From Crickhowell and Hay-on-Wye in the south, to Llandrindod Wells in Mid Powys, and Llanidloes, Kerry, Newtown, Berriew and Carno in the north, there are plenty of places to enjoy outdoor bowls throughout the season.
As the seasons change, there are also plenty of ways to keep playing. Indoor Bowls facilities can be found at Brecon Leisure Centre, The Flash Leisure Centre in Welshpool, Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre in Machynlleth, and the Radnorshire Indoor Bowling Association in Llandrindod Wells, giving players the chance to enjoy the sport all year round.
Or why not give Short Mat Bowls a go? Played on a smaller scale than Indoor Bowls, it’s a fun, affordable and sociable activity that brings people together in village and community halls across Powys. From Whitton and Dolfor to Castle Caereinion and beyond, local clubs offer a warm welcome and a great way to stay active, make friends and become part of your community.
See International Bowls Action Up Close
Spectators are warmly invited to come along and enjoy a week of top-class bowls action from the 19th to the 26th of September as Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club hosts the European Championships. Admission is free throughout the tournament, making it a fantastic opportunity to experience the sport up close, whether you’re a dedicated bowls fan or simply curious to see what it’s all about. Visitors can look forward to high-quality matches and a welcoming atmosphere, while also seeing first-hand the tremendous work put in by the team at Llandrindod Wells Bowling Club to prepare the greens and venue for this prestigious event.
Find out if Bowls is for you
If you’ve never considered bowls before, now could be the perfect time to step onto the green. Whether you’re seeking a new challenge, looking for a social activity, or simply wanting to move more, bowls offers a fun and accessible way to stay active.
Visit the Let’s Go Powys Activity Finder to discover bowls clubs and sessions near you and take the first step towards getting involved in one of Powys’ most inclusive sports. Or get in touch with the Sport Powys team at sports.development@powys.gov.uk.