East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club have appointed a new Club Development Co-ordinator who they believe will lead the way in developing the sport in the local community.
Today (Wednesday 7th September) the club have announced Scotland Internationalist and previous World Championship Silver Medallist Billy Mellors as the club’s new Club Development Co-Ordinator.
The position, which is funded by Direct Club investment from sportscotland and funding from Lothian Disability Sport comes as a bid to strengthen and develop bowls in East Lothian. East Lothian Council have also pledged their support of the project along with East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club and East Lothian Bowling Association.
Founded in 1986 and now in its 30th year East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club boasts a history of success whilst also being home to Commonwealth Games Gold Medalist Alex Marshall MBE and bowling legend Willie Wood MBE.
The Club Development Co-ordinator position is an exciting development for the sport as the project is the first of its kind in Scotland. It comes at the perfect time as governing bodies of bowls look to work together to promote their sport as modern, successful and inclusive.
Working with key partners, including Bowls Scotland, Active Schools and Lothian Disability sport, Billy will be tasked with supporting local clubs to increase membership as well as creating an inclusive environment for players with a disability.
Commenting on his appointment Billy said:
“I am thrilled to be given this opportunity to develop bowls in East Lothian across all platforms. It will no doubt be a challenge but with the initiatives I will be putting in place I am certain the participation in bowls will grow year on year in East Lothian.”
Scott Kennedy of East Lothian Indoor Bowling Club said:
“This is a fantastic initiative, the first of its kind in bowls in Scotland. Great credit must go to Sport Scotland, Bowls Scotland, Disability Sport and East Lothian Council for backing this role. I’m sure the sport of bowls in East Lothian and the number of people participating will develop across all platforms over the coming years with the initiatives that Billy has planned. It certainly is an exciting time for bowls in what is already one the country’s most successful counties when it comes to producing bowling talent.”
Lawn Bowls clubs will also benefit from the post as the Club Development Co-ordinator will also support East Lothian Bowling Association and the outdoor clubs in the local authority in increasing their membership and developing their club.