Winter League
The Winter League has expanded every year since its formation in 2020 and next year promises to be another year of growth with already two new team applications 7 months before the 1 July 2025 closing date. Brockholes and Kirkheaton Con have already registered their interest in having C teams join the League for the start of the 2025-26 season in October 2025.
We currently have 64 teams playing in 8 divisions with 8 teams in each division. Eight teams in a division is our optimum number of teams in a division. Our working assumption is that we will receive 8 new team applications before the 1 July 2025 closing date. That means creating a 9th division and we are already talking to one new host green about joining the League for the 2025-26 season.
The table below shows the growth of the League year on year since its formation in 2020 which of course was the year of the Covid pandemic. You wouldn't plan to start a new bowling league in a year of restrictions and lockdowns but we did and the seeds were sown for the large league that it is now.
The host greens are key to the smooth running of the League and in return they are rewarded financially for their support and involvement. Host greens made on average between £2,500 and £3,500 profit last year which has been a life-saving contribution for some clubs. That means that this year we expect that over £25,000 in total will come into Huddersfield bowling at a time when previously there was no such source of income.
The League has increased to 64 teams starting from zero five years ago. The love of our sport coupled with the milder winters with a winning playing format have all contributed to the huge take-up of teams joining the League. Here is a quick introduction of the major points about playing during the winter months all prospective teams need to be aware of.
In brief:
teams are made up of 4 bowlers who can be of any gender
matches are comprised of 2 Singles and 1 Pair games
bowlers must have passed their 60th birthday to qualify to bowl
you don't use your own green in the League as each division is allocated a host green that they play on all season
teams play once a week on the same day of the week throughout the season
matches are played on Mondays to Thursdays
matches are played from October to mid-February
there is a two-week break over the Christmas period
League fees are £15 per team per season
weekly match fees are £12 a team (£3 per bowler) which all goes to the host green which covers green fees, raffle ticket, hot drinks and biscuits for each team member.
hot drinks along with hot and cold food are always available for spectators at a modest charge.
The closing date for new team applications is 1 July 2025. If you want to learn more about the Winter League then please read 'The Ultimate Guide to Winter Bowling' which will answer many of the questions you are likely to have. Then if you are still interested or have more questions for us then please get in touch by contacting the League Secretary Jeff Jacklin on 07968 171 197 or by email at jefftheref2000@yahoo.co.uk We look forward to hearing from you before the 1st July deadline.
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