Welsh Bowls Performance Plan and Player Pathway (WBA / WWBA / Disability Bowls)
The Welsh Bowls Performance Plan and Player Pathway sets out what is expected of players at each level of the game and outlines the support available to help them develop and perform. It is a fluid system, recognising that not all players will wish to progress through every level and that individuals may move up, down or step away from the pathway at different times. The support described is illustrative rather than exhaustive and may change over time depending on need and available funding.
Key priorities and support areas
The pathway and plan are built around five main priority areas.
Communication & Support.
Performance Data & Analysis.
Health & Wellbeing.
Coaching & Management.
Psychological & Personal Management.
These priorities run through every level of the pathway, from club bowlers to podium-level athletes.
Player pathway levels
The pathway is structured in tiers, from club level through to international and podium players.
Tier 1 – Club Level: Players compete in club, county, Welsh and open events, with access to club coaching and opportunities to be identified for county progression.
Tier 2 – County Level: Players are identified through county performance and trials, with data collected at county and national level and evidence of entry and success in county, Welsh and open competitions.
Tier 3 – Junior and Development Academies: Players receive formalised coaching, mentoring and monitoring, with development days and support to build skills, fitness and self‑management in preparation for higher honours.
Tier 4 – International Squad: Players represent Wales at events such as the BIBC International Series, BIBC Championships, Performance Disability Home Nations, VI Championships and test series.
Elite 1 – Elite Squad: Players have Individual Athlete Plans, tailored development and maintenance programmes, and targeted support in areas such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, psychology and life on tour.
Elite 2 – Podium / Expected Podium: Players target medals at events such as the Commonwealth Games, World Bowls, IBD Championships, VI World Championships, Atlantic and European Championships and other high‑performance events.
Performance data and analysis
Performance is tracked using a range of tools appropriate to each level.
Collection of event results, skills performance indicators and observations at club, county and national trials, with information recorded on a national database where appropriate.
Use of video and electronic analysis at higher levels to review technique, decision‑making and game patterns.
This information supports selection decisions, identifies development needs and helps players and coaches measure progress against agreed performance KPIs.
Health, wellbeing and personal management
The plan emphasises the importance of players looking after their general health and managing their wider lives alongside bowls.
Education and guidance on maintaining fitness, strength and conditioning, nutrition and hydration, delivered through leaflets, posters and designated sessions.
Support on sport/life balance, managing time on tour, personal finance and dealing with success and under‑achievement during and after events, particularly at elite levels.
Players are encouraged to develop self‑management, professionalism and leadership, as well as effective communication skills within teams.
Coaching, communication and progression
Coaching and communication structures are in place at each stage of the pathway.
Club and county coaching, county performance days and academy sessions provide structured training and advice on individual and self‑directed practice.
At academy, international and elite levels, players access formalised coaching, squad meetings, Individual Athlete Plans, mentoring and education led by team managers, captains and support staff.
Communication is supported through social media, monitoring and feedback mechanisms and, for juniors, parent or personal support forums.
Progression through the pathway is based on performance, achievement of KPIs and nominations by coaches, mentors, clubs, county officials and team managers, with clear milestones such as county and club titles, national qualification and success at international events.
For full details of expectations, criteria and example support at each level, please refer to the Welsh Bowls Performance Plan and Player Pathway (WBA / WWBA / Disability Bowls) – December 2020 document.