As the sport of bowls has several clubs in and around the region of Maidstone, CommunityAd thought they would get in touch with the extremely talented 17-year-old Joshua Austin, who is now bowling for England.
Three years ago, the teenager was a semi-finalist at the U18 EIBA National Championships and in October 2019, Austin was selected to play for England in the U18 team international series at Inverclyde, Scotland.
In 2019, Joshua was also named as one of just nine recipients to receive a grant from the Kent Trust for Youth Sport for participating in sport at a high level.
CommunityAd caught up with the brilliant bowler to find out more about his early beginnings in the sport and future goals…
What are your earliest memories of playing bowls?
My earliest memory is going along to short mat bowls with my grandfather when I was 5 years old and bowling my first bowl.
What do you enjoy most about the sport?
I enjoy the competition and social side of the game and have also made lots of friends from the ages of 10 – 80.
What is your greatest memory so far in the sport?
My greatest memory is gaining a place in the EIBA under 18 England international team in 2019.
Do you have a 5-10-year future vision of where you would like to be in the sport and what you would have wanted to accomplish?
My 5-10-year plan is to enter the world U25 championships and play in the open singles, also to keep in the England team going forward to U25s and then the senior team and compete around the world.
Away from bowls, what are your hobbies and interests?
My hobbies are cycling, going to the gym and socialising with friends.
What do you enjoy most about living in Maidstone?
I like Maidstone because there are lots of good sports facilities including my bowls clubs Mote Park IBC and Bearsted Bowls.
To keep up to date with Bearsted Bowls and Mote Park IBC, and no doubt hear more about Justin’s incredible achievements, visit their websites: Bearsted Bowls and Mote Park IBC.