Bowls Victoria x Deer Park Club Junior Program Partnership
Bowls Victoria is proud to announce a dedicated junior development partnership with Deer Park Club, formally appointing the Club as the Official Partner of the Victorian Under 18 State Program through to 2029. The partnership will commence on 1st August 2026, marking a significant milestone in the delivery of Victoria’s junior bowls pathway.
This landmark agreement places junior athlete development at the centre of the partnership, providing Victoria’s emerging bowlers with a high-quality home for training, competition, and representative preparation.
A Dedicated Home for Victoria’s Emerging Talent
Under the partnership, Deer Park Club will serve as the primary venue for the delivery of BV’s junior High Performance and pathway activities, including:
- All home-based interstate Under 18 test series
- Victorian Under 18 state team trials and squad training sessions
- The Doug Kneebone Tournament
- Victorian State Championships for Under 13 and Under 18 athletes
By centralising these key programs at one venue, Bowls Victoria is strengthening continuity, athlete wellbeing, and performance outcomes for its junior representatives.
Investing in the Future of Victorian Bowls
Bowls Victoria General Manager – Commercial Operations, Andrew Haug, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to developing the next generation of bowlers.
“Providing our junior athletes with a stable, high-quality environment is critical to long-term success. Deer Park Club offers the facilities, professionalism, and support required to nurture young talent and deliver a first-class pathway experience.”
Deer Park Club General Manager David Thompson said the partnership aligns strongly with the Club’s vision for the sport.
“We are incredibly proud to be entrusted with hosting Victoria’s most important junior programs. This partnership allows us to play a meaningful role in developing young athletes, supporting their growth both on and off the green, and contributing to the future strength of Victorian bowls.”
A Partnership Built on Development, Quality and Care
The agreement establishes clear expectations around athlete services, venue standards, scheduling certainty, and program delivery – ensuring every junior event hosted at Deer Park Club reflects the values, integrity, and developmental focus of Bowls Victoria.
With Bowls Victoria retaining full program oversight and Deer Park Club delivering a consistent, professional hosting environment, the partnership represents a best-practice model for junior pathway delivery.
As Bowls Victoria continues to grow participation and strengthen its junior programs, the Deer Park Club partnership stands as a significant investment in the future of the sport.
