Ladies who 'lunge': Club Thirroul hosts young twist on 'oldies' sport

The Thirroul Women’s Bowling Club drew about 40 participants when it hosted the first local Lunge Club event recently. The initiative by Bowls NSW aims to encourage young women to get involved in the sport.

The program focuses on welcoming young women and girls of all ages and experience levels into a social, low-pressure environment. Club Thirroul was one of the first clubs in the state to adopt the pilot program.

Thirroul Women's Bowling Club president Anne Clarke said the event was about getting women into the sport of bowls as traditionally it had been seen as a stereotypical male sport with old people. 

"We’re trying to change that perception,'' she said.

“We get around 40 or 50 ladies come every Thursday and it’s a very social day. We have a lot of fun. We have a cup of tea and then go out and bowl, and come in and have lunch all together. It’s a wonderful way to meet new people and it’s a great sport in that regard.

“The great thing also is that anyone can play bowls. To be good at it is very hard and takes a lot of practice, but anyone is able to deliver a bowl – that’s why it’s such a great all-round sport for all ages and abilities.”

Anne took up bowls after she retired, keen to satisfy her competitive streak and socialise with other friendly people. Her club would love to see more women of all ages join in on the fun.

When Bowls NSW announced the opportunity to get involved in hosting the program, Anne knew that Club Thirroul would be perfect for the initiative.

“I straight away thought it would fit very well with our little club because we've got a club where everyone's happy to help out and we're very keen to get new bowlers on the green to discover our wonderful game. So I put my hand up straight away for it and we were successful in being part of the pilot,” she says.

“We had lots of ladies who were happy to volunteer and we knew we had a community that would support different ideas and innovations, and that's exactly what happened. It's a great community here of course and we had lots of ladies sign up.”

Despite a rainy start to the morning, the weather cleared up in time for the 3pm event. The day became a bonding opportunity for multi-generational players.

"We had three generations of ladies joining – grandmother, mother and daughter all came and played,” Anne says.

“So some made it a family affair, and then we had the young mums who came with their babies and enjoyed themselves as well, so we can accommodate everyone, really, that’s why it’s brilliant and why I think it was a success. It was so important to be inclusive." 

The name Lunge Club highlights the physical health benefits within the gentle sport. The initiative combines this light physical activity with a strong focus on fun, laughter and meeting new friends.

“Every time you get out on the green and you're delivering a bowl, you're performing a lunge, so you're actually being active as well as meeting lots of new friends and being very social,” says Anne.

Club Thirroul provided all necessary equipment and instruction. Experienced club members volunteered to guide the new participants through the basics of the game.

"It's not really a coaching session, but it is teaching you the basics," Anne says.

“We’re all really happy to show people the game, and invite them to join us. Even if you haven't been to Lunge Club, you can contact me and just come and have a game or just meet us and see if you'd like to try and play.

“Often when women finish work, they're looking for something to do, or not even when they finish work, when they're working as well, they come and come and join in. We play most days of the week, so we give you the opportunity to be out of the house every day if you want to be.”

Following the success of the pilot event, the club plans to make the Lunge Club a regular occasion. The next event is scheduled for the final Sunday of the month, July 26th at 3pm. Registration is free via https://www.lungeclub.com/about

New bowlers are welcome to join the Thirroul Women’s Bowling Club even if they have not previously attended a Lunge Club event. More information can be found on the Club Thirroul website: https://www.clubthirroul.com.au/bowls/lawn-bowls/