The Gloucestershire Short Mat Bowling Association boasts 19 registered clubs, and both the clubs and their GSMBA-registered members are eligible to participate in various County and National Championships and Leagues
Affiliated Clubs
Being a member of the GSMBA, and by extension the English SMBA, offers numerous advantages, such as facilitating interaction among clubs, organising Club Leagues, County and National Championships, Inter-county Leagues and Championships, potential financial support, affordable insurance, and involvement in the game’s regulation and development.
| League Teams | |
| Bishop’s Cleeve | Winter |
| Caer Glow | Winter |
| Chalford | |
| Cheltenham Whaddon | Winter |
| Corse & Staunton | |
| Defford | Summer & Winter |
| Forest of Dean | Summer & Winter |
| Kingsway | Summer & Winter |
| Longhope | Summer & Winter |
| Quedgeley | |
| Ripple | Summer & Winter |
| Tewkesbury | Winter |
| Westbury-on-Severn | Summer & Winter |
| Winstone | |
| Woodmancote | |
| Wotton Hall | Summer & Winter |
| Yorkley | Summer & Winter |
Historically, Short Mat Bowling Clubs have met in village halls, appealing to those new to the sport and interested in its social aspects. Yet, clubs such as Bishop’s Cleeve, Tewkesbury, and Royal Forest of Dean, which are established Lawn Green Bowling Clubs, have changed this trend. They have recognized the benefit of engaging their members in bowling during the winter off-season by playing Short Mat games indoors. This practice not only keeps the community active but also sharpens their lawn bowling skills due to the precision Short Mat bowling demands. Engaging in the GSMBA Winter Leagues provides valuable match practice in a friendly yet competitive environment. Although some may see Short Mat and Lawn Green Bowling as competing sports, those acquainted with both understand how they can complement each other.
Other places to play Short Mat Bowls
Clubs are typically welcoming to new members, and no prior experience with bowls is necessary, as clubs are eager to provide training. For beginners, clubs supply all the necessary equipment to play Short Mat Bowls, except for footwear. If you lack appropriate flat-soled shoes, you may be allowed to wear thick socks or slippers for a few sessions—please verify the club’s policy on this.
Bushley
Deer Park Archers
Douglas Morley
Huntley
Leoneard Stanley
Mitcheldean
Toddington
Twyning
