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"We have to keep this wonderful game going" says Ilminster IBC coach Mark Denslow | |||
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The level two coach also runs a
junior section and says his passion is to 'help
people of any age to enjoy the game and play to the best of their
ability.' "When I started bowling with my father and brother, I loved the fact you could play in a team and individually and how with practice all the different shots became possible," he said. "It was exciting to see all the bowls around the jack and I liked how scores could change so quickly amongst the teams." Mark, a county-standard player himself, says his first taste of success came at the age of 15 when he won the club pairs. Two years later he reached the club singles final and at 19 qualified for the National Fours at Worthing with his father, brother and cousin. He said: "I have never lost my passion for the game and it is a game you can enjoy and be successful in at age. There is something for everyone and leagues available for all abilities." When asked about his highlights, Mark listed being runner up in the Club National Double Rink competition at Worthing, being in the Somerset Liberty Trophy final twice and reaching the EIBA Over 60's fours National Semi Final at Nottingham. But his main love is coaching, where he feels he can give something back. "I have learnt so much over the years, it is so rewarding to help others," Mark said. "The coaching course gave me the grounding of how to teach and I learnt about all the health and safety elements. "My knowledge and experience has enabled me to coach others well. Seeing the smiles on their faces when it goes well is an amazing feeling and knowing they want to progress to playing for their club is the icing on the cake." The junior section Mark runs takes place after school and is aimed at children between the ages of four and 18.  He said: "We provide all the equipment to get them going and try to make it as fun as possible whilst coaching and teaching at a level appropriate for their age. "It is important to keep the youngsters engaged and ensure they are given the opportunities to compete at all levels. They are so important for the future of the game." There have been numerous successful players to come from the Ilminster junior section including England star Louis Ridout and young Ollie Collins. Siblings and 2023 EIBA National Mixed Pairs Winners Kirsty and Levi Hembrow have also had some experience of Mark's coaching. Mark said that one of the best things about indoor bowls is that it can be played all year, regardless of the weather. "It is a more technical game than outdoor which is positive, most people like a challenge and again there are lots of leagues and competitions to suit all," he said. "Bowls needs to keep moving forward with less formalities to keep up with this modern changing world. Good kits suiting all ages have bought a younger feel to the game and the younger generation are showing their passion on the green with their voices in team games which is excellent. "I'd like clubs to keep encouraging new players with advertising and holding open days to show people what a great game it is. "Bowls is so good for wellbeing for all ages and it offers exercise, the chance to be part of a team and work on your own individual spirit, so we have to keep this wonderful game going." By Sian Honnor |
June 2023
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