Boccia at CSSC:
Over the past few months, we’ve been working closely with key partners to develop and grow opportunities for our members to try and take part in the inclusive sport of Boccia.
Boccia at CSSC:
Over the past few months, we’ve been working closely with key partners to develop and grow opportunities for our members to try and take part in the inclusive sport of Boccia.
With the recent ‘have-a-go’ session we hosted it has been fantastic to CSSC's Boccia journey come to life.
A huge thank you goes to Stacey Monk Read and her team from Boccia England and Michael Gainsborough-Adam (Sports Development Officer) from the North West Hub for their ongoing support, expertise, and commitment in helping us organise, deliver, and shape a programme that is both inclusive and sustainable for the future.
So, what is Boccia?
Boccia is a Paralympic sport, growing in popularity at grass-roots level across the UK. While it was designed for people with physical disabilities, one of the great things about it is that anyone can play, side by side on equal terms.
Players aim to throw, kick, or roll leather balls as close as possible to a target ball, called the jack. It’s similar in concept to bowls or pétanque, but with rules and equipment adapted for accessibility. Originally developed for athletes with conditions such as cerebral palsy, it now includes people with a broad range of physical impairments. Some players use their hands or feet to roll the ball and those with limited movement can use ramps and a sports assistant.
It can be played one on one, pairs, or teams, usually indoors on a flat court. Players take turns placing their balls closer to the jack than their opponent’s Points are scored based on how many balls are closer to the jack than the opponent’s nearest ball.
Thursday 8th April – A brilliant day of learning and participation
On Thursday 8 April, we hosted a brilliant Boccia day at The Seashells Centre Cheadle Manchester. There were up to 18 members and volunteers who came along to try their hand at Boccia, many for the first time, ably supported by myself and Micheal from the North West Hub, and 3 staff from Boccia England including Stacey Monk Reed (Partnerships and Engagement Officer).
The morning session set out to inspire and train Boccia leaders, helping staff and volunteers build confidence in delivering and supporting sessions. The afternoon session was an open “have a go” Boccia experience, giving all participants the chance to try the sport in a relaxed and welcoming environment. It was fantastic to see so much engagement throughout the day, with participants supporting one another and discovering just how accessible and enjoyable Boccia can be.
I loved it so much that I am now a qualified Boccia Leader and am looking forward to supporting and assisting with future Boccia events, helping to continue building and delivering inclusive sessions across our activities.
Looking ahead: A long-term collaboration
We’re really excited about the potential to continue and grow our Boccia opportunities. This event marks the beginning of a long-term collaboration with Boccia England, helping us embed Boccia more widely across our activities and communities. There is real enthusiasm to keep this momentum going, and we are committed to building on what we’ve already achieved.
Final thoughts
This has been a hugely positive period for Boccia at CSSC, and the energy, collaboration, and enthusiasm from all partners has been incredible. We look forward to continuing this journey and building something sustainable, inclusive, and impactful for the long term.
If you would like to be involved in future Boccia sessions, training, or volunteering opportunities, please do get in touch with me at Bushra.ali@cssc.co.uk, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator (Boccia Leaders Award 2026).
Upcoming Boccia opportunities & dates for your diary
If you are interested in developing your officiating skills, this is a great entry-level opportunity. It would be brilliant to see CSSC volunteers taking part.
- Level 1 Officials Course
- University of Bolton | 8th May
- Discounted cost: £20
- Only 4 places remaining
- Boccia England National Championships
- University of Bolton | 9th & 10th May
- This is a major national event and a fantastic opportunity to watch high-level Boccia competition, understand how tournaments are delivered and volunteer to gain valuable experience in event support. If you would like to attend or volunteer, please get in touch with Yasmin Senior (Yasmin.Senior@aoc.co.uk|Development Officer for Diversity & Inclusion)
- College Boccia Competition
- Seashell Trust (Seashells) | 2nd July
- We also have a College Boccia Competition taking place at Seashells, where we were recently based. Volunteers are welcome and encouraged to support this exciting event.
Contact Yasmin Senior Yasmin.Senior@aoc.co.uk|Development Officer for Diversity & Inclusion who will be coordinating this competition, please contact her directly if you are interested in getting involved.