Tenpin Bowling
Just a game to play with your friends on a weekend or in the holidays?
Wrong.
Tenpin bowling is a recognised sport with its own governing body and county and national teams.
So if you are the STRIKE King or Queen in your house or amongst your group of friends why not join a league? https://naybc.btba.org.uk/find-a-club/
Once you have joined a league you could enter competitions https://naybc.btba.org.uk/tournament-entry-forms/
Daniel Harding is 14 and currently top of the U17 rankings on the Youth Bowling Tour. He has represented Sussex and Team England.
Hi Daniel. Tenpin bowling isn’t a sport many kids will know they can compete in. How did you get started?
I first started when I was 7. I went to a birthday party and I really enjoyed it and one of the parents suggested I went to try in a club called Havant YBC. I played my first nationals at 9 and then joined the Junior Team England tour at 10.
You’re 14 so still at school, how much training do you need to do each week?
Being home schooled does help but I roughly Train 6-8 Hours a week plus I bowl in 2 leagues. I’m very lucky because I’m sponsored by Tenpin Millbrook and am able to have lanes dressed and my bowling is free. They are very supportive of me and help a great deal.
What sort of fitness training do you need to do for your sport?
I exercise every morning; I do a lot of cardio and weights and go to my local leisure centre Everyone Active who have sponsored me. Bowling requires good leg and core muscles.
Do you still have time to play other sports?
Not Really. But love to play football with my brothers and friends when I get the chance.
You’re leading the U17 rankings, that’s quite an achievement! What is it like representing Team England?
Having worked really hard all year its great to make Team England. This year I will be representing the U16 in the Triple Crown in Dublin. This will be my third Triple Crown. When I put the England shirt on, I feel very proud to represent my country. It’s a great feeling to win a gold and stand on the podium with the National Anthem playing.
What’s the next big competition for you?
I will be bowling the Triple Crown which is in Ireland this year. However, before that I have the Youth London International which is one of my favourite tournaments.
Who is your sporting idol?
One of my sporting idols is Dom Barrett. He is an English professional bowler on the PBA tour in America. Another idol I have is my coach Steve Thornton. He is practicing hard so he can join the PBA Over 50’S tour in America.
What advice would you give other kids on how they can give tenpin a go?
The best advise is to join your local Youth Bowling Club. It’s a good way to start and have fun. Then, if you want to take it further, you need to find a good coach. I’m lucky cause I have Steve Thornton who is one of the best coaches in England. I also have support from my sponsors including Adrenaline Sportswear.
