Finding reliable, low-effort fundraising is a constant challenge for grassroots sports clubs, particularly those run entirely by volunteers.
Rutherglen Bowling Club is one of the clubs that joined the Grassroot Support Lottery early and has quickly shown how effective it can be when promoted consistently. The club is currently selling between 30 and 40 tickets a week, generating over £750 a year in additional income, with very little ongoing administration.
We spoke to Alex Robertson, Club Secretary at Rutherglen Bowling Club, about how they’re using the lottery, how easy it has been to manage, and what advice he would give to other clubs considering signing up.
About Rutherglen Bowling Club
Rutherglen Bowling Club is a welcoming, community-focused sports club that is open to all.
During the playing season the club runs weekly internal competitions and also enters district and national competitions. Outside of bowls, the clubhouse plays an active social role, hosting regular social and dance nights with live music, as well as a weekly bingo session that is open to both members and non-members.
This mix of sporting and social activity means the club has a broad and engaged membership, which has helped when introducing new fundraising ideas.
Why did you decide to try the Grassroot Support Lottery?
Like many clubs, Rutherglen BC is always looking for ways to raise funds without putting extra pressure on volunteers.
“We are always looking at ways to raise funds for the club, and this offered the chance for the club to raise funds whilst giving those who purchased a ticket the chance to win a considerable sum of money.”
The appeal was clear: a simple way to raise money that also gives supporters a realistic chance of winning meaningful prizes.
How easy was it to set up?
One of the biggest concerns for clubs is how much work a new scheme will involve. For Rutherglen, the setup process was quick and straightforward.
“The setting up process was very straightforward.”
“Getting the club registered and your page live was very easy.”
There were no technical hurdles or lengthy forms, and the club was able to start promoting its lottery page almost immediately.
How much day-to-day admin is involved?
Once supporters are signed up, the Grassroot Support Lottery largely runs itself.
“Simple to manage as once you have managed to get people to sign up it takes care of itself.”
“Mostly running itself.”
For a volunteer-run club, this low-maintenance aspect is crucial. It means fundraising continues quietly in the background without adding to committee workload.
How does the club promote its lottery page?
Rutherglen Bowling Club uses a mix of online and in-club promotion to keep the lottery visible.
The club regularly:
- Posts updates on its club Facebook page
- Sends reminder emails to members
- Displays posters within the clubhouse
- Features the lottery on its digital advertising screen
As Alex explains:
“We also have posters within the club and it is featured on our advertising screen for all members and visitors to see.”
This consistent but simple visibility has helped build steady participation over time.
What difference is it making financially?
At present, Rutherglen BC is selling between 30 and 40 tickets per week.
“Between 30–40 tickets per week at present which if maintained for the year would raise over £750 for the club.”
That income helps support the club’s core activities and maintenance.
“Allows us to ensure that all equipment and bowling training aids are kept up to date and in good order.”
What could it help fund in future?
Looking ahead, the club sees the lottery as a way to contribute towards larger, ongoing costs.
“It is hoped that if we can increase the number of tickets sold that it would cover the cost of replacing the ditch mats.”
With two greens, this represents a significant expense.
“With two greens, this is a substantial sum of money and every little raised towards the cost offsets any hit on the club’s main finances.”
Rather than relying on one-off fundraising events, the lottery provides a steady contribution year after year.
What about members who aren’t comfortable online?
This is a common concern, particularly in bowls clubs. Rutherglen has found a practical way to address it.
“Those who do not use the internet are obviously less keen.”
“We are looking at encouraging them to set up their own syndicates where they would only need one person to sign up on their behalf.”
This approach allows less digitally confident members to take part without needing to manage online accounts themselves.
What would you say to other clubs thinking about signing up?
Alex’s advice is simple and direct:
“Would recommend that they sign up as it is an easy hassle-free way to raise funds even if only a small number of people purchase tickets.”
A simple, sustainable way to raise funds
Rutherglen Bowling Club’s experience shows that the Grassroot Support Lottery doesn’t need to replace existing fundraising. Instead, it provides a steady, low-effort income stream that runs quietly alongside everything else the club does.
For clubs run by volunteers, that reliability can make a real difference.
👉 Learn more about the Grassroot Support Lottery and how your club can get involved:
grassrootmedia.co.uk/grassroot-support-lottery