Rihoy & Son is proud to mark the close of another successful season with the Young Rollers, a youth bowling initiative run by the Guernsey Bowling Club. Taking place at Beau Sejour from April through to September, the free Sunday morning sessions welcome children up to the age of 17 to discover a sport that is not typically taught in schools. With 15 experienced coaches guiding participants, the Young Rollers offer a supportive and enjoyable way for young islanders to stay active, develop new skills and make friends.
Four years of support
This season marks the fourth consecutive year that Rihoy & Son has sponsored the Young Rollers. Our company has always championed local sport and community development, believing that opportunities like these can shape positive futures for young people. By investing in initiatives such as the Young Rollers, we help create pathways that blend teamwork, discipline and enjoyment, values which mirror our own approach to construction.
Highlights of the 2025 season
The quality of play has risen significantly this year thanks to increased one-to-one coaching and more focused game play. A key highlight came at the end of August when six of the season’s top bowlers competed in a Skills Competition. Across six exercises, players demonstrated accuracy, strategy and composure, with points awarded for performance. This gave young bowlers the chance to experience a competitive setting while celebrating their progress.
The Young Rollers also benefitted from the Specsavers Youth Games, a multi-sport festival linked with the Island Games. Over the past two years, this event has introduced children from across Guernsey to lawn bowls. Several participants first tried the sport there before becoming regular members of the Sunday sessions, showing the power of community partnerships in growing grassroots sport.
When asked about the Young Rollers this season, coach Robin Herbert said, “It is very satisfying to see the progress of the Young Rollers, especially those who have progressed to play in senior club competitions.”
Building pathways for young players
The early years of the programme attracted mostly very young participants, some of whom found it difficult to continue long-term. In recent years, however, the Young Rollers have welcomed more players aged 9 to 11. Some of these talented individuals have now progressed to competing in adult leagues, demonstrating that the initiative is not just about trying something new, but also about developing lasting sporting journeys.
Why community partnerships matter
At Rihoy & Son, supporting initiatives like the Young Rollers is an extension of our mission to build opportunities in Guernsey. Just as we apply craftsmanship and dedication to our building projects, we believe in nurturing the skills and confidence of the island’s next generation through sport. The success of the Young Rollers proves that with the right encouragement and structure, children can thrive in new activities that inspire both teamwork and individual achievement.
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, we are excited to see how the programme will continue to grow and how more young islanders will discover the unique challenge and enjoyment of bowls.
