Australian lawn bowling coach Steve Glasson was left “blown away” by the response to a new training program. 

The Sapphire Coast Bowling Academy is a one of a kind program developed locally to upskill players across the region. 

“I guess in a lot of ways we’re piloting things and innovators in a way,” head organiser, and former international, Michael Wilks said. 

The academy launched two weeks ago and Glasson agreed to pay a visit after a recent tournament at his home club of Mount Lewis. 

Glasson is the head Australian coach and was shocked by the high levels of interest sparked by the academy. 

“He thought it was brilliant,” Wilks said. 

“As the Australian coach and a big proponent of the game he was blown away by the support. 

“During a couple of conversations in the lead-up I think he was expecting about 20 or 30 bowlers.”

However, when he arrived on the greens at Club Sapphire on the weekend, he was met by almost 60 eager bowlers from six clubs. 

Glasson met with players and also gave a presentation as well as advice and coaching tips to the attentive crowd. 

Also on hand was Wilks, who is a former international, and current Commonwealth Games representative James Reynolds. 

After a solid discussion on application of different techniques, players hit the greens for a number of challenges and scoring tasks. 

Wilks said the response from the visit was phenomenal. 

“I said if you can learn one thing from Steve’s visit then it is worth having,” he said. 

“And there was guys who picked up half a dozen tips from the day. 

“The session was top notch and came up as good as you could ever hope for.”

The Far Sout Coast currently doesn’t boast any state pennant winning sides, but the academy aims to develop local competition to a higher level. 

“It’s about getting us  out of our little pond and creating opportunities,” Wilks said. 

Upcoming events for academy members include exhibition games against Lakes Entrance, and a possible match with top level Canberra teams. 

The academy has attracted bowlers from Eden, Bega, Merimbula, Bombala Tura Beach and Tathra to take part. 

The strength of the academy is a positive sign against a downward turn in the sport. 

Lawn bowling is in a state of decline across Australia, but the Far South Coast has been a beacon for challenging the normal. 

“Membership in a lot of sports is in decline and we’re trying to fight or buck the trend and put things in place to reverse that,” Wilks said. 

“[Glasson] really left thinking how healthy the sport is in the area.”

The academy’s primary focus is on developing local clubs, but there is potential the program could spawn a wider means of developing the sport across Australia. 

Glasson works directly with Bowls Australia and could provide feedback on what he has seen here. 

Wilks hopes similar programs could be developed elsewhere. 

“One hundred per cent I would hope to see that happen,” he said. 

“Bowls has given me a lot so, from my perspective, I am just trying to give back as much as I can.”

Regard for the local region is growing and Wilks thinks it could soon attract big name events to the area. 

“We had some chats about hosting training sessions for Bowls Australia – they can fly in to Merimbula and the facilities are world class,” he said. 

“We’re getting recognition and we could see something in the near future.”

Wilks thanked each of the clubs for taking part and supporting the academy. 

Tathra’s John Chalker, Bega’s Howard Blacker, Bob Reeves from Tura and Merimbula’s Warren Harding have all provided their time and energy to support and promote the academy. 

Wilks also thanked Club Sapphire that footed the bill to provide the coaching session.