Meet Jason Banks

Meet Bowler Jason Banks

I play indoor carpet bowls from October to April and lawn bowls from May to September. I have been playing bowls since I was around 10 years old at local clubs Inverurie BC and Garioch IBC. So far I have travelled all over the UK playing bowls and enjoyed trips as far away as New Zealand and Australia competing for Scotland.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

I started playing bowls when I was around 10 years old as a lot of my family played bowls too. When I was at school I played so many different sports, but I enjoyed playing bowls the most and eventually it just took over! Bowls has a great social side, involves a lot of strategy and tactics and can be played by yourself when practicing, in singles games or in teams of up to 24 players.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Inverurie BC and Garioch IBC

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

Dealing with losing "big" matches. I now try not to get too hung up on winning and losing, it's not the end of the world if you don't win.

What are your goals for the coming year?

I have my own goals and they are quite ambitious but I prefer not to share them.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

My training involves going down to my club regularly to practice on my own to work on my technique; but I find it beneficial to play in competitive games as part of my training as it allows me to practice real "game" scenarios which are hard to replicate in individual practice.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

Dedication, ambition, temperament.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

Quite a lot - there are different bowls competitions you can play in every week.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

Try not to get hung up on winning and losing, it's nice to win but at the end of the day it won't change my life. You can always learn and improve for next time.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Andy Murray.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

In January 2025 I became the only person ever in the history of bowls to hold all 4x World Bowls Tour events in the same season:

- World Indoor Singles Championship

- World Indoor Pairs Championship

- World Indoor Mixed Pairs Championship

- Scottish International Open

Due to this I also became number 1 ranked male player in the World Bowls Series Rankings:

https://worldbowlsseries.com/male-rankings/

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

Avoiding distractions, sleeping, eating and drinking correctly before practice helps with focus. Having goals and the desire to achieve provides motivation.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Be patient but enjoy the process of improving rather than winning.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

It will allow me to stay fit and healthy to allow me to concentrate longer during intense games or days of bowls.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

Visit the following websites and facebook pages:

• https://www.worldbowlstour.org/
• https://www.bowlsscotland.com/
• https://www.bowls-siba.co.uk/
• https://www.inveruriebowlingclub.com/
• https://www.gibconline.co.uk/bowls
• https://worldbowlsseries.com/
• https://www.facebook.com/worldbowlstour/
• https://www.facebook.com/BowlsScotland/
• https://www.facebook.com/p/SIBA-100063625567593/
• https://www.facebook.com/inveruriebowlingclub/
• https://www.facebook.com/GIBC.online