Scottish Boccia: New Year, New Boccia Squad!

Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) is the recognised governing body for the sport of boccia in Scotland and is tasked with developing players capable of domestic and international success.  We are also responsible for progressing the best Scottish talent to a UK Boccia World Class Programme where players represent Great Britain at European, World and Paralympic level.  In order to achieve this, a competitive national squad is a vital element.

Scotland has a rich history in the sport, and we have produced no less than 10 players (and three ramp assistants) who have progressed to a Great Britain programme over the past two Paralympic cycles.

The players selected for the national squad will be focussed on the 2020 events calendar via both SDS and Boccia UK, not to mention the Paralympic Games in Tokyo.  It is sure to be another very busy year!

There has been a lot of development work going on within the sport, which has seen a growth in the numbers of players accessing clubs.  Last year, we appointed our first National Boccia Development Officer, as well as introducing a new website and social media platforms for the re-branded ‘Scottish Boccia’.  Furthermore, we have seen several new players with performance potential progress regionally, which has been reflected in this years’ selection.

Scottish Boccia is extremely grateful to retain the services of our experienced coaching staff, including Claire Morrison, Andrinne Craig and Jennifer Barsby.  Moreover, we will welcome two new faces to the coaching team in 2020.  Peter McGuire will make the transition from player to coach and the 2012 Paralympian will add a real mix of experience and enthusiasm to our sessions.  Michaela Řiháčková has vast coaching experience from her time leading the sport in the Czech Republic.  She has coached players to a high level, delivered international events and is also a member of the BISFed Development Committee.

Commenting on the Scottish Boccia selection, SDS Performance Manager, Gary Fraser said:

“It is an exciting time within the sport as the programme within Scotland and the UK continues to develop. We have selected a squad with lots of quality, and we are excited about the potential of the new players who will now be able train and play alongside the very best players in Scotland, Great Britain and the World. We are lucky to have a group of skilled coaches, who will be working to improve player performances ahead of a very busy year in the sport.”

For more information please visit:

Website:              https://boccia.scottishdisabilitysport.com/

Facebook:           https://www.facebook.com/SDSboccia/

Twitter:                https://twitter.com/SDS_boccia