What is Boccia?
Boccia (pronounced bot-cha) is the most inclusive sport you’ll find! It’s easy to play, but harder to master! Boccia is a Paralympic sport with no Olympic equivalent. It’s a target ball sport which tests both muscle control and accuracy.
From a seated position (and therefore ideal for wheelchair users) players propel balls to land close to a white marker ball – the jack. If you’re unable to grasp and propel a ball a ramp can be used.
It’s an indoor sport, played on a court roughly the same size as a badminton court. You can compete as an individual, in a pair, or as a team of three.
Giants Boccia Club Story
Greenbank Giants Boccia Club was formed in 2017 by a group of disabled individuals who shared a passion for Boccia. Their dedication and talent quickly paid off, as the club became National League Champions in 2018.
Following the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, the club was re-founded in 2022 and has since gone from strength to strength. Currently, they run two weekly sessions:
Competitive Boccia Session – Where players compete in local and national competitions.
Community Session – Designed as a welcoming introduction for new players entering the world of Boccia.
Meet the Head Coach – Joel Murphy
Joel Murphy began playing Boccia in primary school and joined the Giants in 2017 while
studying Sports Coaching at Greenbank College, part of the Greenbank Project charity.
This same charity runs Greenbank Sports Academy, the venue Giants are proud to call home.
In addition to being Head Coach, Joel is one of only 27 Boccia England Boccia Champions.
Through this role, he actively promotes Boccia within the local community, working with charities and organisations to introduce more people to the sport.
Outreach Programme
Greenbank Giants Boccia Club are proud that 90% of volunteers have a physical and/or learning disability. There dedicated and passionate team plays a vital role in delivering sessions and supporting outreach work. Through its outreach programme, it collaborates with a range of organisations, including Greenbank Sports Academy and Daisy Inclusive UK.
Contact Details:
General enquiries: greenbankgiants@gmail.com
Outreach enquiries: greenbankgiantsoutreach@gmail.com