Manning Bowling Club honour two dedicated volunteers
Kate Douthie and Matthew Mitchell have worked tirelessly ensuring Jack Attack is a huge success and now Manning Bowling Club has honoured them for their achievement. Kate Douthie and Matthew Mitchell were honoured recently, receiving Manning Bowling Club’s Club Persons of the Year award for their wonderful work creating and running the Jack Attack programme at the club.
For a programme that started quite small in its first season, the third season, which ended in March this year grew fast, attracting 22 teams and creating plenty of atmosphere in the Club.
Over the course of the three seasons, Jack Attack has brought in over 70 new social members to the Manning Club, and has given club members something to get behind and support.
Jack Attack players are keen to attend the club throughout the week, whether it is just to enjoy the facilities, or maybe sneak out for a little bit of practice to be ready for the next Jack Attack session.
Whilst Jack Attack is currently on a break at the Club, Kate and Matt have the contact details of everyone loaded into the database, so when the warmer months roll around again, they can get in touch, and get another season up and running.
Kate trail blazed in the initial running of the programme, especially in WA and given that the Manning club did not have a thriving social competition upon which to draw.
Building on the marketing materials provided by Bowls Australia, using Social Media to promote to friends, and encouraging others to do the same, it didn’t take long for this to be a success.
With great meals at competitive prices, as well as local business stalls setup from time to time, the atmosphere at the Club was vibrant to say the least.
With Kate doing most of the behind the scenes work, and Matt doing a great job on game nights, the pairs’ enthusiasm and personalities are ideal for the Jack Attack concept.
“It didn’t take long for everyone to get the hang of it all,” Kate said.
“After a couple of weeks, the teams arrive, grab their cards and head out for some practice before the game starts.
“They know what they are doing.”
Manning is now seeing larger numbers attending coaching sessions, they have gained interest from people simply walking past the club, seeing what is going on and just wanting to get involved.
“The key to Manning’s success here was the willingness to start small and let this programme grow,” said Bowls Australia’s WA Regional Bowls Manager Clive Adams.
“Matt and Kate took the ball and ran with it, and were just keen to get something started.
“Once you do that, you give it a chance to grow, and that’s exactly what’s happened here.”
Congratulations once again to Matt Mitchell and Kate Douthie, Manning Bowls Club’s Club Persons of the Year.
For more information on how your club can get involved in Jack Attack, or any other Bowls Australia initiatives, please contact your local Regional Bowls Manager.
