On Saturday 25 July, Boccia England hosted its first-ever Under-23 Training Camp, bringing together young athletes from across the sport’s classifications to support their development and progression within boccia.
The camp marked an important milestone in the delivery of Boccia England’s ambitious Talent Plan 2025–2029, which aims to transform how young disabled athletes are identified, recruited and supported throughout their journey in the sport.
At the heart of the new strategy is a renewed focus on young people aged 14 to 23, with talent identification taking place through education settings and in partnership with community organisations. The plan prioritises athletes who are most likely to be eligible for classification and progression within the performance pathway, while recognising that success looks different for every individual and should be defined by each athlete’s own goals and aspirations.
The training camp provided attendees with an opportunity to experience a higher-performance training environment, develop their skills alongside other aspiring athletes, and build confidence in preparation for future competitions. It also gave participants valuable experience at the venue ahead of the Under-23 Open, which will take place in October.
Lauren Kianchehr, Under-23 Talent Coach at Boccia England, was delighted with the response to the inaugural camp.
“We welcomed 14 young people to today’s session, and for our very first Under-23 training camp we are thoroughly impressed by the turnout,” she said. “Our aim is to help these young athletes begin their journey within boccia and provide them with the support they need to develop their potential. If that journey leads them to striving for the Paralympic Games, we will be more than happy to support them every step of the way.”
By creating opportunities such as the Under-23 Training Camp, Boccia England is investing in the next generation of athletes and strengthening the pathway from grassroots participation to elite performance. The event represents the beginning of a long-term commitment to nurturing young talent and ensuring more disabled athletes have the opportunity to reach their full potential within the sport.
While the primary focus of the day was athlete development, one of the most meaningful outcomes was something no one had planned for: the social connections that naturally developed throughout the camp.
In a relaxed and welcoming environment, young people from across the country had the opportunity to meet others who share their passion for boccia, forming new friendships both on and off the court. At the same time, parents and carers were able to connect, share experiences and build their own support networks.
The sense of community that emerged throughout the day highlighted the wider impact of the Under-23 programme. Beyond developing future athletes, the camp created a space where young people felt comfortable, supported and part of something bigger. It was an unexpected but invaluable outcome that reflected the inclusive values at the heart of Boccia England’s Talent Plan.
None of this would have been possible without the support of our funding partners Backing the Best, sports aid. It’s easy to talk about the value of investment, but today was a reminder of the real difference it makes. Seeing a vision become reality, and witnessing the excitement of players and families alike, is exactly why these programmes matter.