EALABA and disability bowls
About EALABA and disability bowls. We are one of the three sports disability bowls groups. The other two are British Wheelchair Bowls Association and Visually Impaired Bowls England. These groups used to feed into Disability Bowls England. As of 1st January 2025, Disability Bowls England became integrated into the EIBA and Bowls England, both organisations are governing bodies for indoor (EIBA) and outdoor bowls (BE).
Our current membership is over 40. We meet at regularly times throughout the year during which, we hold event days comprising an open practice session in the morning. Afternoon is a challenge match, against the home venue Club or a visiting team. Relaxation and socialising takes place throughout the day, along with lunch, normally a two course hot meal. Funding is initially subscription based, supported by a raffle, prizes being donated by members and sponsors.
About EALABA and International Disability Bowls
Some of our bowlers compete at an elite level. At this time, 14 members have represented England at various international events. Previously, members competed at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, 2022 Commonwealth Games, Leamington Spa and 2024 IBD World Finals, South Africa.
Preparation has started for the 2025 LD Home Nations Championship in Cardiff, Wales, subsequently, some members are attending performance training squad days trying to gain selection.
What we do for disability bowlers
We hold two Indoor Championships, indoor singles in addition to drawn pairs and an Outdoor Singles Championship. These competitions are for all EALABA members. Above all, the drawn pairs event is mixed ability and gender. Our Championships are normally run over a weekend. Andy Thomson normally presents the singles trophy. See our Events for more details.
 | Andy Thomson MBE, multi winning medallist both indoor and outdoor including three times World Indoor Champion. Andy has been the EALABA Patron since 2008 and has regularly presented trophies at our National Singles Championships. |
Our Challenge Days. The Morning sessions involve our bowls coaches making practice enjoyable. Importantly, if you have a particular issue that needs addressing, a coach will help you resolve the problem. Obviously, our coaches are Coach Bowls certificated, insured, DBS checked and Safeguarding Trained. Purposeful practice programmes test skills, also, teaching new skills aiding enjoyment. It should be noted we coach on an individual basis, alternatively in a group and also in teams.
The afternoon session is match time, and these are normally triples games. Most importantly teams are selected on a mixed ability basis which undoubtedly adds to our social interaction. Many maintain regular direct contact outside of EALABA, in addition, to our WhatsApp members only group.
Our governing body is International Bowls for the Disabled (IBD), holding World Championships are every four years. Previously, a number of our current membership have participated in these Championships.
News updates
Firstly, we keep members informed through our News section. Along with direct emails, WhatsApp and, also, telephone calls. Match reports including photos are recorded within our News section whereas past photographic records are Archived annually.
Where we play
We have based our indoor home rink at Tamworth I B C, Staffordshire.
About EALABA
EALABA members compete with able bodied bowlers at their own clubs, hence, our events present a fantastic opportunity for playing other disability bowlers. In conclusion, we constantly strive to increase membership opening up disability bowls opportunities.