Boccia
The aim of the game is to throw leather balls - coloured red or blue as close as you can to a white target ball, or jack.
An Overview of Boccia
Boccia (pronounced 'botcha') is a Paralympic target sport which is similar to bowls. Boccia is played indoors, usually in a sports hall. The aim is to propel your balls close to a smaller ball, called the jack.
You can compete as an individual, in pairs, or teams of three.
Benefits
- Meet new people
- Provides physical, mental and social benefits.
- Great for all levels of fitness
Involvement
Use our Activity Finder or use Boccia England's 'Find a Club' tool to find out more about local VI Boccia opportunities.
Once you're a member of a club, there are many competitions you can take part in.
England host regional Heathcoat Cup competitions around the country. These are competition programs for all impairment groups. It is perfect for players wanting to start or further their individual competition experience.
Sight classifications are important to ensure fair and equal competition. Success at competitions should be defined by an athlete's skill and ability, not their impairment. The sight classifications should give all athletes the confidence that they are competing against others equally.
Useful Links
Adaptations and Equipment
For players with a visual impairment, a VI Boccia Grid is used. The Grid is a handheld and scaled-down version of a boccia court. Plastic pegs serve as tactile markers and come in a variety of shapes and textures to correspond with the various coloured balls. A Sports Assistant uses the grid to plot the positions of each ball on the court.
If players don't have access to a specialist VI boccia grid, other adaptations can be used.
Find Boccia Clubs/Groups Near You
Use the search below to find local organisations near you.
National Governing Bodies
Boccia England
- Contact Name
- Boccia England
- Contact Email
- info@bocciaengland.org.uk
- Contact Telephone
- 0115 967 8455
Sport England
Sport England is committed to helping people and communities across the country create sporting habits for life.
SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum
A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.
You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.
If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.
SASP Sport Welfare Officers Forum
A online meeting for Sports Club Welfare & Safeguarding Officers based in Somerset.
You're invited to attend our club welfare forum for anyone involved in sport and physical activity in Somerset, but in particular those in your clubs who hold the role of 'club welfare officer' or 'safeguarding lead'.
If you're the Safeguarding or Welfare Officer at your Sports Club, please join Tracey Sweetland, Somerset Sport Welfare Officer at SASP to learn about local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer role.