My son, Thomas, discovered his passion for bowls last year after giving up more traditional sports like football due to Osteochondritis Dissecans, a joint disorder which has required surgeries. This sport, with its emphasis on skill and strategy, has become a significant part of his life. Playing, sometimes 3 times a week as well as representing his county in competitions.  Bowls has provided him with confidence, new friendships, and a profound sense of belonging. It's heart-wrenching to watch him work tirelessly, only to be told that his beloved sport doesn’t count in the eyes of certain exam boards because it's not recognised in GCSE or A Level qualifications.

Currently, the 2019 policy that governs the inclusion of sports in these educational qualifications seems outdated and restrictive, leaving many young athletes like Thomas without the recognition they deserve. This lack of recognition not only affects their academic achievements but also impacts their future opportunities in both further education and careers in sports.

The current system doesn’t just affect Thomas. It impacts countless young bowlers and participants of other similarly unrecognised sports across the UK. These young people deserve recognition and the opportunity to have their chosen sport included in their PE qualifications, just like any other sport. By failing to acknowledge bowls and other eligible sports in educational qualifications, we are denying these young athletes equal opportunities.

Bowls is a legitimate sport that requires precision, strategy, and skill. It encourages physical activity, mental health benefits, and social interaction, all crucial to a well-rounded educational experience. The exclusion of bowls as a recognised sport in PE qualifications reflects a lack of understanding of its value and significance.

This petition calls upon the Department for Education and relevant examination boards to review and update the 2019 policy. We urge them to establish clear, fair, and consistent criteria for assessing the inclusion of bowls and other deserving sports in PE qualifications. By doing so, we can ensure that all sports are evaluated on their own merits, providing equal recognition for all students.

Let's make sure that young people like Thomas, and every child with a passion for a non-mainstream sport, aren't sidelined due to an outdated policy. Recognition in education for all legitimate sports is a step toward promoting diversity and inclusion in the curriculum.

Let's stand together to make a change. Please sign this petition to support the inclusion of bowls and other eligible sports in official PE qualifications. Your signature can help open doors for countless young athletes and ensure fair opportunities for all.