COUNTY ace Ian Clark is organising a new coaching league to inspire the next generation of ten pin bowlers in Worcester.

Clark is the president and secretary of the new Worcester Ten Pin Bowling Coaching League which is to take place on Wednesday evenings at MFA Bowl in Bromyard Road.

Clark, who hails from Ilford and used to represent Essex, is keen to raise the standard of bowling in Worcestershire and uncover the sport’s stars of tomorrow.

"Ten pin bowling is a niche sport which used to get covered a lot by the media in the 1960s and 1970s," he said.

"I have been ten pin bowling since I was 16 years old and it's a fun sport for all the family.

"With a bit of coaching, people may realise their full potential in the sport and it's possible they could even go on to gain national honours."

The new Worcester league is scheduled to start this summer and will include a lead-in period.

Clark said: "It’s important we offer new people an opportunity to learn and develop new skills with help from the three phase four coaches involved in the project.

“The new league will be different to normal run of the mill leagues and as soon as we have enough people we will get it under way.

“There will be a slight age limit, although five year olds will be allowed to bowl under parental supervision.

“The league will offer children and adult beginners a chance to compete each week against each other with the benefit of inclusive ten pin bowling coaching.”

Clark used to play in the Wyvern League on a Tuesday night and will now be playing in the Classic League.

He added: “The coaching league is designed to support bowlers with structured coaching on the fourth week of each cycle. After four league cycles of coaching, hopefully, all bowlers will be at a sufficient level to compete in most established leagues.”

For more details about theWorcester Ten Pin Bowling Coaching League for beginners, call organiser Ian Clark, between 4pm and 9pm on weekdays and weekends, on 01905 748690, or e-mail: ianclark01@hotmail.com