Winter League new team deadline looms

Winter League

Only a few days to go before the deadline for new team entries for the 2026-27 Winter League season. The deadline for new teams to apply to join the Huddersfield Winter League for the 2026-27 season is this coming Wednesday. Do you really enjoy your crown green bowling? Would you like to play all year round? The deadline for new team entries into the Winter League is almost upon us, with time being called on new teams on Wednesday 1 July.

There is no need to stop bowling just because the summer season has finished. The Huddersfield Winter League is coming up to its 7th season and has grown to over 80 teams that play every week from October to mid-February. It is different to Summer bowling but has many benefits from being different.

We have already received entries from six new teams and they are Thongsbridge B, Marsh Lib C, New Mill D, Lindley Lib D, Lowerhouses C and Rastrick B. It is noticeable that these new teams are all from clubs with teams already in the League. Once players get the Winter League bug they need more and more of it. Come and join the club!

Any team considering joining the League for the 2026-27 season can now contact the League Secretary to get full details and the answers to all your question. Here are the answers to some of our most FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):

• teams are made up of 4 bowlers who can be of any gender

• matches consist of 2 Singles and 1 Pairs games

• bowlers must have passed their 60th birthday to qualify to bowl

• all bowlers must be registered members of the clubs they are representing

• you don't use your own green in the League as each division is allocated a host green that they play on all season

• teams play once a week on the same day of the week throughout the season

• all matches are played on weekdays

• matches are played from October to mid-February

• there is a two-week break over the Christmas period

• League fees are £15 per team per season

• weekly match fees are £12 a team (£3 per bowler) which all goes to the host green club which covers green fees, raffle tickets, hot drinks and biscuits for each team member.

• hot drinks along with hot and cold food are always available for spectators at a modest charge.

• we have two individual competitions open to all Winter League bowlers. The Winter Cup is for individuals and attracted 162 entries last season. The Pairs KO had 93 pairs (186 bowlers) competing for the title in its second season in 2025-26. Both have Division-based qualifying competitions.

We are still looking for a new host club for the coming season. Any club interested in making over £3,500 in cash by hosting a 14-week season of the Winter League on their green should now contact the League Secretary.