Spanish Bowls Coaching Scheme
Instructors Courses

July 2009 - Indalo & Emerald Isle BC

Report & photos by Ruth Compton.

The first course was at Indalo B.C., Almeria (when in incredibly hot weather, we had to leave the green at one point as our legs were burning), three bowlers took the course and past successfully. 

Dennis Leigh, John Dedman and Ferah Memet.

The SBCS thank the Indalo Captain John Colquhoun for allowing us the free use of the green.

Due to so many bowlers being in England a further course will be held in the Almeria region sometime in the Autumn/Winter season.
 

The second was held at the Emerald Isle B.C. Costa Blanca and again the SBCS would like to thank the club for the generous free use of the green. 

Thank you to the New Bowlers, Maureen & Robin for being so patient and willing.
Thank you to the NEC for their support in funding the Spanish Bowls Coaching Scheme. 

The trainers were Ruth Compton, National Bowls Coaching coordinator assisted by Pat Metcalfe, the National Team coach and Derek Fielding from Benitachell, who due to his involvement with coaching in England is an experienced grade three high performance coach and has therefore been made the first Provincial Coach in Spain, three more will be created when we can identify modern trained coaches of a high enough standard. 

14 hardy stalwarts presented themselves at 9.30 for three days of intensive work, they were divided into two groups of 7 and husbands and wives did not work together, some of the group were not new to coaching but were either trained in England some time ago or they had taken on the task in their clubs as no coach was available. 

To their credit they were very happy to absorb new methods and expand their knowledge.

As the Course went on they said they didn't realise the mistakes they had been making and that the course would make them better Instructors now that they had a system & guidelines to work to.

All in all, the 3 days were considered very successful for both the students and for the trainers.

We are very aware that not everyone will agree with what we coach but this method has been developed over many years and that you will get the odd one or two who do not wish to conform, but we didn't have anyone that wasn't prepared to listen & learn and to try their best.

Although they worked hard the course was enjoyable judging by the laughter coming from both groups and many telling questions were asked.

The bowlers were on a continuous assessment over the 3 days with the last afternoon actually coaching 2 new Bowlers. We passed all 14 and awarded certificate to confirm that they are now Qualified Instructors and are able to coach beginners & improvers. The Costa Blanca now have 14 newly trained Instructors of beginners and improvers only to anxious to use their new found skills, this can only enhance the quality of Bowling in Spain. 

Here is a list of the Instructors from the Costa Blanca.

Country Bowls.

Sheila Cammack, Maurice Cass, Charlie Watkins, and Gerry Gough.

Emerald Isle

June Jones, Keith Jones, Lily Stewart.

Greenlands.

Carol Rudge, Len Rudge, Dave Greenland, Les Styring, John Rudkin.

San Luis.

Val Sherry.

Horadada

Frank Reid.