By William Moncrieff, Communications Officer. 

 

Over the last two years, West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club has been providing individuals with opportunities to participate in boccia –  and it’s had a huge, positive impact on the community.  

A key volunteer at the club, Kirsty Maceira, explained one step they take to create a healthy atmosphere is encouraging everyone to take part “By getting everyone involved it gives them something to do, they get real enjoyment out of it.” Kirsty said. 

This is a view that Hugh, a 70-year-old volunteer at the club, shared: “I enjoy interacting with the members and listening to the stories they have to tell.” 

Karen, a 25-year-old participant at the club, also commented on how she enjoys everyone being together: “We all have good fun encouraging each other and I enjoy meeting new friends through our club.”  

The club is held weekly on a Tuesday afternoon at Dalmuir Barclay Church Hall and regularly sees around 18 participants attending. However, Kirsty and the rest of the team at the club are determined to get more people playing boccia. 

“We are now getting to a stage of getting out to other community groups and delivering taster sessions to show them what boccia is,” Kirsty said. 

She continued to say, “Right now we are doing work within sheltered housing. People aren’t able to get out and about to come to us and to go to other community groups. So now we are tapping into going to them to give them an opportunity to play.”  

Having this opportunity to go out into the community has been a real highlight of delivering boccia for Kirsty. 

“They absolutely loved it. The laughs that they had, the enjoyment, the fact that they could just sit down and play and just have a blast was amazing,” she said. 

On November 16th 2025, West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club held their first ever Boccia Bash. This event was hosted to raise awareness and showcasing its inclusivity and all the benefits that it can provide. The event provided attendees with boccia taster sessions and other community groups were invited to take part in a competition. 

One element of the sport that Kirsty has really found herself appreciating is the inclusivity. She said: “It doesn’t matter their age or their abilities, everybody is welcome, and everyone can play.” 

The impact of the club has been noticed by John, a 77-year-old participant. He said: “I can see small improvements with my mobility in the upper body movements.” 

John isn’t the only one noticing the physical benefits. Alan (37-year-old participant) said: “I am certainly feeling the benefit of using my arms more regularly.”  

Along with many of the physical benefits that boccia can provide, the club is keen to make sure that it also impacts participants psychologically. To help with this, Kirsty explained that they have created opportunities throughout their sessions to get everyone socialising.  

“We offer free tea and coffee and a biscuit every week. So, we start by playing our games, then we go into the next hall and we all have a drink and a biscuit and that is when we get to socialise,” Kirsty explained. 

Throughout her time with the club, Kirsty has grasped how important the social impact can be. “I think sometimes that is the most fun part for some, because they get to socialise and you see those friendships developing,” Kirsty said. 

This sentiment was echoed by Alan, who said: “I am happy to meet with everyone and have a chat and a coffee at the break.”  

Alongside impacting participants psychologically, many of the volunteers have found the club to be hugely impactful. “I feel very content whilst supporting the club. It has allowed me to stay active and continue building on my mental health, as I am part of a welcoming club”, said Margaret, a 73-year-old volunteer coach. 

Kirsty believes that the great community surrounding West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club is a factor in volunteers regularly providing support. Kirsty commented on this community aspect: “There is such a good atmosphere in the club, that is why they come along to volunteer because they see how good it is and how good it is for the participants.” 

Volunteer Suzanne (73 years-old) commented on this. She said, “The thing I enjoy the most is the social aspect of it, where everybody comes together and has a great time with lots of laughs. 

“Our moto is, ‘ 

come for the sport, stay for the smiles’, which is exactly what this club does.” 

If you would be interested in finding out more about West Dumbartonshire Boccia Club, you can do so by emailing: wdboccia@outlook.com 

Alternatively reach out to your Regional Development Manager to find out how you can get involved in boccia as a player, coach, volunteer or official.  

To keep up to date with all things disability sport across Scotland, follow Scottish Disability Sport on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.