One of the biggest benefits of short mat bowling is its flexibility. The equipment is portable and only need an area large enough to take a mat 6 foot wide and 45 foot long. It is played in village halls, community centres, social clubs and leisure centres. The game is played by all ages, sexes and abilities who can all compete together – a real family sport.

The game has grown in popularity with the association’s membership now over 24,000 bowlers. The ESMBA established inter county championships, national championships, junior championships, umpire’s organisation and recently a coaching section.

The ESMBA was also instrumental in establishing international competitions played to the same set of rules. There is an annual British Isles Championship featuring England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales and Isle of Man and a World Championships which is held every two years with countries such as Belgium and India joining the home nations in the battle for supremacy.

If you would like to know more, please visit the ESMBA official website.