A NEW season of barefoot bowls is back at the Mildura Bowls Club after a holiday break.
A more relaxed version of lawn bowls, teams of four players are encouraged to kick their heels off, or otherwise don flat shoes and unwind.
Nola Mason, who is involved with organising the teams, said barefoot bowls was an interesting sport to play.
“It’s sort of a fun thing, but people do get very serious,” she said.
“We have a ladder and there’s something of a competition in it, we had 26 teams take part in the last season just before Christmas.
“It’s becoming more of a big deal, we’re looking at potentially having 30 teams this time around.”
The games are held on Monday nights for ten weeks, with a free sausage sizzle held each time.
“We supply all of the bowls and jacks and whatever you might need to play with,” Ms Mason said.
“We try to make it an introduction to lawn bowls so some of the rules aren’t as strictly adhered to.
“A lot of the teams have fun with their names, getting T-shirts done up like the ‘Crabbsters’ who go crabbing.”
The next league season will run for ten weeks from February 3, with all teams who sign up strongly encouraged to come every week to allow for everyone to play.
A $10 fee applies per night, and although welcome to sign up, players aren’t required to be a member with the club to take part.
To sign up call the Mildura Bowls Club at 03 5023 1437, or Ms Mason at 0437 812 437.