Boccia UK has today announced that four new athletes will join the World Class Programme. The athletes who have earned their spot on the World Class Programme, supported by UK Sport and The National Lottery are:
- Robyn McBride from Antrim, Northern Ireland
- Kayleigh Haggo, from Ayr, Scotland
- Fiona Muirhead from Blantyre, Lanarkshire Scotland
- Sally Kidson from Salisbury, Wiltshire
In total, there are now 12 athletes in the Boccia UK squad that receive funding as part of the World Class Programme. Each athlete on the programme is supported at day-to-day training and any competitions they attend, as well as services such as physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, thanks to UK Sport, The National Lottery and the DCMS.
Robyn McBride (BC3)
McBride, 24, made her debut for Boccia UK at the World Cup in Rio last April and has since demonstrated huge potential. She reached the last 16 at December’s World Championships, defeating highly ranked players such as Thailand’s Ladamanee Kia-Han, the then world number four, en route. Last year, the Northern Ireland star also won a silver in the BC3 Pairs with Will Arnott at the Veldhoven World Boccia Challenger as well as a bronze in the BC3 individual event.
The player – joined on court by Dad Davy as ramp assistant – was brought onto the World Class Programme for an initial trial period of six months but has now firmly cemented her place in the squad.
“I’ve loved every minute of being on the Boccia UK squad and am thrilled to be continuing on the World Class Programme in the build up to Paris 2024,” explained Robyn. “We’ve got a busy schedule ahead of us in which we need to gain vital ranking points but I’m looking forward to the challenge. I’d like to thank the National Lottery players who make this all possible.”
Kayleigh Haggo (BC2)
Haggo is already known for her sporting prowess – but in the sport of frame-running as world record holder over 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m and 5000m. The Ayr athlete set her first world record at the age of 12 and made her first appearance for Boccia UK at the World Boccia Poznan Challenger in August. She juggles training and competing alongside her job as an Active Schools Coordinator for people with additional support needs in South Ayrshire. In 2017, she was named as one of 30 most inspiring women under 30 by YMCA Scotland.
“I’m absolutely delighted to have been selected onto the World Class Programme. Words cannot describe how excited, happy and grateful I am for this opportunity. Huge thanks to UK Sport, The National Lottery and Boccia UK for their support and for believing in me. I can’t wait for this next opportunity.”
Fiona Muirhead (BC4)
2023 was also the breakthrough year for Fiona Muirhead. The Lanarkshire player reached the last 16 at the World Championships and has been making good progress in the BC4 Pairs with Stephen McGuire. The 40-year-old first tried her hand at curling but the cold conditions didn’t suit her. Switching to boccia, she says the sport has had a positive impact on her condition, muscular dystrophy.
“I’m so grateful for the opportunity to Great Britain and I’m really looking forward to events in 2023 and working towards the Paris Paralympic Games.”
Sally Kidson (BC3)
Kidson is 18 years old and is the youngest athlete currently supported by the World Class Programme.
At the age of just 17, she made her Boccia UK debut in style, finishing fourth in the female BC3 category at the World Boccia Poznan Challenger in August. Away from boccia, Sally is a keen musician and has performed with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra Resound ensemble and the National Open Youth Orchestra.
“I’m so thankful for Boccia UK for giving me the opportunity to join the World Class Programme and to continue to compete on the international stage. I’m excited to see what the rest of the year brings.”
In total, there are now 12 athletes in the Boccia UK squad that are supported by UK Sport’s World Class Programme. Each athlete receives funding to help with training and competition as well as services such as physiotherapy and strength and conditioning.
Boccia UK Performance Director Greg Baker explains:
“To achieve selection to the World Class Programme, an athlete needs to demonstrate realistic medal winning capabilities for future Paralympic Games. We are really excited to welcome Robyn, Fiona, Kayleigh and Sally onto the programme which really improves our strength and depth at international tournaments.
“Boccia is a thoroughly demanding and exacting sport and we are confident that the new athletes joining the programme have got what it takes to be successful at this level. They have each demonstrated a problem solving and highly strategic mindset that is required to be a world class boccia player and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”
