YMCA Y:Active Sally's Road to World Championships in Nevada

A Family Tradition on the Lanes

Bowling is in Sally’s blood. Her parents, Margaret and Dennis Warburton, actually met while playing 10-pin bowling. Both sets of grandparents bowled too, so it was only natural that seven-year-old Sally would follow in their footsteps.

Her journey began at Cala Gran in Fleetwood, where a caravan park bowling centre introduced her to Saturday morning junior league action. As she progressed, she joined Fleetwood YBC (Young Bowlers Club) and began travelling across the country for competitions — often setting off at what she calls “stupid o’clock” in the morning.

The Rise to England Selection

At 15, Sally’s dedication caught the eye of Great Britain coaches. Just a year later, she represented England in the Triple Crown, and in 1992 she competed at the IBF European Youth Championships in Brussels — taking gold in the trios by a single pin and silver in the team event.

After college, life took her in different directions — work, marriage, raising her children, Emily and Jack — but she never left the sport entirely, bowling casually and in local leagues.

The Comeback

In November 2023, Sally qualified for Lancashire in both adult and senior categories. At the county finals in Guildford, a Team England bowler approached her and suggested she try out for the national team. She gave it a go, finishing joint top in her trials — securing her place at the 2025 European Championships in Leipzig, Germany, where she finished 9th out of 95 participants in the singles.

Then came the big news: in March 2025, Sally was selected for the IBF World Championships in Reno, Nevada, USA, this October.

“It’s spine-chilling to be selected. It’s an honour and privilege to represent Team England — something I thought I’d never do again.”

YMCA Bowl: A Big Part of the Story

Sally says YMCA Bowl has played a huge role in her comeback.

“All my recent achievements have come since bowling at YMCA. It’s close, it’s accessible for everyone, and the atmosphere is amazing. You don’t have to be an expert — just come and try! You’ll get the bug for it.”

She bowls in the Wednesday night trios league, where fun is always front and centre. There’s even a “walk of shame” rule for teams who get out-struck, with a trophy for the most walks at the end of the season.

YMCA Bowl has also rekindled old friendships — from former Cala Gran bowlers to ex-Team England youth teammate Paul Matthews, who she’s persuaded back onto the lanes.

A Role Model for All Ages

Sally encourages younger bowlers to get involved and praises YMCA’s inclusive approach — from ramps and bumpers for beginners to Over 50’s Bowling as a great social activity.

Even her next-door neighbour now comes along — and asks her for tips!

With UV Bowl, kids’ parties, and great offers like £20 for an hour of unlimited bowling for up to 6 people, Sally says YMCA Bowl really is “a place for everyone.”

As she heads towards the World Championships, her family will be cheering her on — some in person, some on YouTube livestreams — just as they have since she was a little girl at Cala Gran.

“It’s amazing that my parents have seen me go from junior bowling to senior European and World Championships. Bowling has given me so much joy, and now it’s giving me a chance to inspire others.”

Sally’s two kids also bowl themselves, the sport has really passed through the generations, with Jack bowling for Lancashire

Sally is hosting two evenings at YMCA Bowl to raise funds to help her get to Nevada and compete for Team England.

Date: Friday 26th September 7-9pm @ YMCA Bowl