Boccia UK continues strength and depth mission

A seven-strong Great Britain team is heading to the Heraklion Challenger in Crete next week for its final tournament of the season (22-28 October).

And Boccia UK continues its campaign to increase its strength and depth across all Paralympic classifications.

penny froude makes her international debut

Making her international debut is Penny Froude who won a coaches’ award at last June’s UK Challenger event after she won all four matches.

Boccia UK’s Head of Performance Pathway Liz Fisher says it is vital to offer competitive opportunities to pathway players:

“We have really moved forward this year with our plans to develop talented athletes through the pathway. If we are to grow and strengthen boccia in the UK, it’s crucial that we create opportunities for promising athletes to experience international competition.

“In June, we launched our first ever Talent Transition Squad and we have also invited other players outside of that named squad to join us at tournaments so we can really extend our reach, and help nurture the talents of those who demonstrate real potential.”

Penny is joined by a squad of familiar faces including BC2 star Kayleigh Haggo. The Ayrshire athlete is set to build on her performance from the Povoa World Cup earlier this month in which she triumphed over world number two and top seed, Rebecca Duarte.

Will Hipwell, world silver medallist in the Team event, competes individually in the men’s BC2 event while Robyn McBride and Sally Kidson both feature in the BC3 women’s individuals.

will hipwell also travels to crete

Steph McGuire, who sits in the number seven spot in the world rankings, is hoping he can bolster his ranking points in the season-closer.

Elsewhere in the BC4s, fellow Scot Fiona Muirhead will be vying for a place in the knockout rounds and will then team up with McGuire in the Pairs event.