Cotswold Crusaders Boccia Club

Cotswold Crusaders Boccia Club logo
  • Local Offer

Cotswold Crusaders meets weekly to play Boccia, with a mixture of fun skills sessions, match-play and serious coaching.

Boccia is a disability sport where players aim to propel leather balls close to a target ball - 'the jack'. Two sides - 'red and blue' - compete as individuals, pairs or a team of three. Points are added up over the course of a match to find a winner.

The sport involves technical skill and tactics. A ball can be rolled, thrown, kicked or pushed down a ramp. If a player cannot push the ball with their hands, assistive devices can be used for example a head pointer. VI boards are also available for those with a visual impairment.

The club is open to players over the age of 11* and is suitable for anyone looking for a social activity, complete beginners, those aiming for Paralympic glory or anyone in between! NB we currently request that members under 16 are accompanied by a parent or carer - this requirement will be reviewed as numbers grow and will depend on the availability of sufficient suitable volunteers. *Membership for under 11s can be discussed on an individual basis as we wish to support anyone particularly keen to learn the game.

The club is welcoming new players, coaches and committee members. If you would like more information please contact club leader Anna Eaton

Who to contact

Contact Name
Anna Eaton
Contact Position
Club leader
Telephone
07789558963 07789558963 01452830688 01452830688
E-mail
crusaders.boccia.glos@gmail.com
Website
Website
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Where to go

Address
Leisure@Cheltenham
Tommy Taylors Lane
Cheltenham
Postcode

GL50 4RNGet directions to GL50 4RN

Notes

We play in the main Sportshall at Leisure@ Cheltenham. Boccia is played on a court similar in size to a badminton court and we utilise courts 7 & 8 which are now marked up as proper boccia courts.

Costs

£20 membership fee; £4 per session or £15 for 4 sessions 

Availability

Age Ranges
Referral not required
Other notes

The club is affiliated to Boccia England and supports players to participate in national competitions.

The club is a Special Olympics hub club for boccia in Gloucestershire and we are keen to welcome players with learning disabilities who would like to compete with Special Olympics or play friendly matches against other clubs.

Parents and carers of players generally stay at the venue during the session either in the sports hall where the boccia sessions take place or in the café just outside and so there is the opportunity to chat for mutual support and information sharing etc.

Local Offer

Description

Boccia can be played by participants with a wide range of disabilities. The club sessions provide an opportunity for physical activity, learning and developing a new skill and socialising. It is played from a seated position so is particularly suitable for, although not limited to, wheelchair users. Assistive devices are available for those unable to lift or throw the balls without assistance. The club is happy to discuss individual needs and the level of help required to participate to enable members to maximise their enjoyment playing Boccia with the club.  Under 16s must currently be accompanied by a parent or carer and membership for under 11s is considered on a case by case basis for those particularly keen to learn the sport.

Contact Name
Anna Eaton
Contact Telephone
07789558963
Contact Email
crusaders.boccia.glos@gmail.com
Local Offer Age Bands
4-11 (Primary School)
11-16 (Secondary School)
16-18 (Transitions into Adulthood)
18-25 (Young Adults)
SEN Provision Type
Universal

SEND Local Offer Form

Who is your service for?
Universal
Local Offer Age Bands
4-11 (Primary School)
11-16 (Secondary School)
16-18 (Transitions into Adulthood)
18-25 (Young Adults)
How accessible is your service?

The club is open to all players regardless of disability. The club will provide volunteers to assist the coach in running the session and help preparing equipment etc but members who need continual carer support through a session will be requested to provide their own carer. Individual needs and the level of support required can be discussed.  The venue is wheelchair accessible.

Is the building fully wheelchair accessible?
Yes
Is there disabled changing and toilet facilities?
Yes
Describe any training or experience you/your staff, have had or are having in issues around SEND?

The head coach is very experienced in coaching Boccia players with a wide range of disabilities and additional needs. The committee is currently made up mainly of parent carers who have experience of supporting their children’s needs.

Experience of working with children and young people with the following disabilities/additional needs.
  • Alternative Communication
  • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
  • Challenging Behaviours
Please add any further information you feel may be of use for the SEND local offer.

We are open to working with individuals and other organisations to try put in place any additional support needed to enable participation where we do not currently have the skills, experience, equipment or sufficient volunteers to meet the needs of any individual.

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