Jack Attack revitalises Pennant Hills Bowling Club
Pennant Hills Bowling Club, located in Sydney’s north west, has been a staple in the community for years. However, like many small clubs, it has recently faced significant challenges.
The club has struggled with an ageing membership base, rising costs, and the burden of covering its activities, including green contractor expenses.
But instead of viewing these challenges as insurmountable, the club saw an opportunity to revitalise its programs and grow participation, ensuring it could continue to serve the local greens for years to come.
One of the key figures in this transformation is Ian Moyes, a passionate bowler and a lecturer/tutor at Western Sydney University. As a member of the Bowls Committee at Pennant Hills, Ian has been instrumental in developing strategies to not only sustain the club but also to engage a younger demographic while continuing to provide quality programs for existing members, many of whom are older.
A New Approach: Introducing Jack Attack
In response to the club’s challenges, Pennant Hills introduced the Jack Attack competition—a fun and fast-paced social version of bowls designed to attract new participants.
Jack Attack is a unique format that simplifies the game, making it more accessible for beginners and younger players while maintaining enough competitive elements to keep experienced bowlers engaged.
After the success of its first competition last year, where 30 players participated over a four-week period, the club saw significant growth.
Ten participants from that initial competition became full bowling members, including a 27-year-old and a 32-year-old, a major win in attracting younger members. The success of the program was not only a boost for Pennant Hills but also a template for future competitions.
Ian Moyes had been working closely with Brett Hughes, who had successfully run similar programs at other clubs in Sydney, including the NBC Sports Club. Drawing from these experiences, Ian tailored the Jack Attack format to fit Pennant Hills’ needs.
The response from the community was overwhelmingly positive, as the club successfully created a fun, social, and inclusive atmosphere that appealed to both current members and newcomers alike.
The Support of Seven Hills RSL and Local Businesses
This year, the club has taken the Jack Attack competition to new heights. Recognising the potential of the event, Seven Hills RSL stepped in to provide critical support by waiving the $10 green fees for participants, a gesture that has allowed the club to reinvest these funds into prize offerings, enhancing the competition’s appeal.
Additionally, local businesses have gotten involved, donating weekly prizes and showing their support for the club’s efforts to engage the community.
These partnerships have helped make the event more exciting and rewarding for participants, further encouraging new bowlers to join in.
With the backing of Seven Hills RSL and local businesses, the second iteration of Jack Attack has seen participation grow, with 32 participants signed up this year.
The growing interest in the competition is a testament to Ian’s vision and the club’s determination to adapt to the changing landscape of bowling.
Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future
Pennant Hills has made it clear that Jack Attack is not just a one-off event but a key part of its long-term strategy to attract and retain new members.
The competition provides a low-pressure entry point into the sport, offering newcomers the chance to experience the game in a relaxed, social environment.
For the club, the hope is that these new participants will eventually transition into full bowling members, ensuring the club’s continued growth and sustainability.
The success of Jack Attack at Pennant Hills represents a shift in how smaller clubs can adapt to modern challenges. By embracing innovation and fostering community partnerships, the club has not only increased participation but also created a welcoming space for players of all ages and skill levels.
Ian and the team at Pennant Hills Bowling Club have demonstrated that with passion, creativity, and community engagement, even the smallest clubs can thrive.
As the Jack Attack competition continues to grow, Pennant Hills Bowling Club is poised to become a model for other clubs facing similar challenges.
Through perseverance and a commitment to inclusivity, the club has found a way to balance the needs of its older members while attracting a new generation of bowlers, securing a bright future for the club and the sport of bowls in Pennant Hills.
In the years to come, the continued success of Jack Attack could serve as a blueprint for how other struggling clubs can revitalise their programs, engage younger demographics, and ultimately thrive in an ever-changing sporting landscape.
Pennant Hills Bowling Club’s journey is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, community spirit and innovation can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and renewal.
Find out more about Jack Attack HERE
