Matthew Northcott set to depart Bowls SA
After five years working at Bowls SA, Matthew Northcott is set to depart to tackle a new opportunity. Matthew will officially finish up on Friday April 23rd.
Matthew joined Bowls SA in May 2016 in the role of Development Officer, which was later restructured to Relationship Officer.
He then rose through the ranks to tackle the role Operations Manager in July 2019 and he has held that role up until now.
Matthew described how it feels to be departing the Bowls SA team.
“It feels quite strange as does any big change,” he said.
“It’s going to be interesting being back on the other side of the fence as a bowls follower rather than administrator.
“There is some feeling of sadness, but also excitement for what the next chapter holds.”
Matthew said it has been “fulfilling” to be able to work in the sport that he loves.
“As someone who played the game for 12 years prior to working in the role, it has been a real eye opening experience as to the work that goes in behind the scenes and beyond the greens,” he said.
“It has obviously come with challenges, being someone who plays the game, it can feel like you are eating, sleeping and breathing bowls at times, but the passion was always there to do that.
“I feel like I am walking away with a great skill set, understanding and appreciation for the work of Bowls SA as an organisation as well as all the effort put in by our wonderful club and association volunteers.”
Matthew spoke about how working for Bowls SA has helped develop his skills both professionally and personally.
“It has added many different skill sets to my range,” he said.
“Managing bowls tournaments is only a very small aspect of what is achieved on a day-to-day basis.
“I personally feel more confident and comfortable with my communication and management skills in working with many different stakeholders from many different backgrounds.
“Whilst professionally getting a solid base in understanding governance structures, constitutions, policy, stakeholder and project management, these are skills that I know I will be able to draw on moving forward.”
He touched on some of his proudest moments and achievements from the past five years.
“I think just managing the day-to-day affairs of the business,” he said.
“There are a lot of bowlers out there and a lot of great ideas for our game and the clubs, so just making small contributions to club management, junior development, pennants, state events and participation tournaments amongst other achievements have been very satisfying.
“The SA Super League has been a big innovation that I have been lucky to be involved with since it’s inception and I will also value my time as SA under 18 coach, seeing young players win national gold medals was a big thrill.”
Despite stepping away from working for Bowls SA, Matthew is confident we will still see plenty of him on the greens.
“I plan to still be around and rolling a few down for sure,” he said.
“Undoubtedly I will always have a keen interest in the sport whether I am playing or not but here’s hoping I might get drafted into a Super League team, win another pennant or state event sometime soon.
” I still have my role as South Australian Pathways Coach with Bowls Australia, so I look forward to continuing to work with some very promising local athletes to see them through to wearing the Green and Gold”
“It’s a great game and I am very appreciative of all the people I have met and friendships that have made which I know will endure beyond my role at Bowls SA.”
