Gelli Park Bowls Club, located in Pentre, Rhondda Valley, is the oldest bowls club in the area, established in 1912. The club prides itself on its rich history and competitive spirit, and welcomes new members of all ages and backgrounds.
The club actively promotes inclusivity and offers free coaching for new players. They offer reduced membership fees for new members and free membership for individuals under 18 years old. Gelli Park Bowls Club aims to attract as many individuals as possible to the sport of lawn bowls and continues to develop and promote the game within the community.
Gelli Park Bowls Club participates in various leagues and cups, including the Rhondda B. B. A. Div1, which takes place on Monday afternoons and Thursday evenings.
They also compete in the Mid-Glam County League, the Cardiff Municipal Bowls League, and the Mid-Week Cynon Valley League. Additionally, the club takes part in several tournaments, such as the W. Carruthers Shield competition, the Mid Glam K/O Cup, and the Mid-Glam County Tournaments for various categories.
The club is affiliated with various bowling associations, including the Welsh Bowling Association, Mid-Glamorgan County Bowling Association, Rhondda Borough Bowling Association, and Cardiff and District Municipal Bowling Association.
As part of their mission to promote the sport and enhance the community's interaction, Gelli Park Bowls Club aims to provide playing opportunities to individuals of all abilities and ages. They organise open taster sessions to encourage new bowlers, offer coached sessions for local schools, and actively work towards involving more women in the game. The club also collaborates with other community organisations like Friends of Gelli Park, RCT Heart Heroes, and Rhondda Radio.
Gelli Park Bowls Club extends a warm welcome to both visitors and members alike. The club's website provides detailed information about the club's history, honours, playing bowls, membership information, and sponsorship opportunities. They are continually updating the website to provide further information about their activities.