Meet a Seasoned Expert: Your Guide to Me!
Introducing Mark
My full name is Mark Heathorn and I have been working as a professional coach for over 15 years.
I live in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England and travel each week to venues around the North of England and Midlands.
I welcome players aged 13 and upwards to work with me, as long as you already bowl and own your own bowling ball!
My Bowling Specific Training
1990 - BTBA Phase 1
2008 - USBC Level 1, Level 2 and Bronze
2010 - USBC Silver
2014 - EBF Level 1 & Level 2
2015 - EBF Level 3, & EBF Level 1 Instructor
2016 - EBF Level 2 Instructor
My Playing Experience
Back in 1979, I joined the Bitterne Youth Bowling Club (YBC), pouring my heart and soul into competitive bowling until about 2003. My choice to step back from the sport wasn’t because I lost my love for it or my skills; it was more about juggling professional responsibilities and dealing with a few injuries along the way. Looking back on those wonderful years, I’m proud of what I achieved, albeit not to the level of some: in 1984, I bagged third place in the highly regarded British Youth Open, and in 1991, I was thrilled to play a vital part in the winning Hampshire Team at YAC (U24) County Championships. Subsequently I was honoured to be member of the Great Britain YAC squad from 1991 to 1992.
My playing days are over really but I miss it!!
My Coaching Experience
1990-present - Coach in various Youth Bowling Clubs, and managed / coached Hampshire County teams on many occasions.
2013-2016 - BTBA National Coaching Manager
2017-2019 - BTBA Coaching Education Manager
2017-2018 - Created & Delivered a BTBA Regional & National Academy Program
2018-2023 - Team England Head Coach at various World & European Championships
2022-2023 - Team England Youth Manager Head Coach
2023 - South Africa Head Coach European Men's Championships
2023-2024 - Iceland Head Coach
2023-ongoing - Member of EBF Education Committee