This story is the first in our new Boccia UK Q&A Series, where our top athletes share their highs, their lows and everything in between about their winter training as well as their hopes for the year ahead.

To kick off, we caught up with Kayleigh Brown. Last season for our player from Ayrshire was anything but ordinary. From winning a European bronze medal while six months pregnant to battling through sickness at major events, her journey has been full of grit, humour - and sleepless nights!

Now, she’s back on court - with husband and sports assistant Kevin - and balancing training with motherhood and looking ahead to a season filled with fresh goals and family adventures on the international boccia circuit.

KAYLEIGH BROWN NOW JUGGLING MOTHERGOOD WITH BOCCIA

Last season highlight: What was your best moment from last season?

Winning a bronze medal at the European Championships while six months pregnant.

Tough match: What was the hardest match you played and why?

I’d say the matches I played at the DSNI Challenger last March. I was only six weeks pregnant and felt very sick. I remember thinking I was going to throw up in the call room and on court.

Big lesson: What important lesson did you learn last season?

I learnt how to be flexible and adapt my sessions when I was feeling sick and tired.

kayleigh brown wins bronze at the 2025 european championships

Team support: How did your coaches or teammates help you last season?

Claire Morrison, my coach, was fantastic at supporting me throughout my pregnancy, especially on the rough days. I was actually at training with Claire the day we found out I was pregnant. I will never forget her excitement. My teammates Steph and Fiona were also great, always checking in on me.

Favourite event: Which event did you enjoy the most and what made it special?

The European Championships where I won bronze with Klay in my tummy.

Training focus: What have you been working on most during winter training?

I returned to training in January, three months after having Klay. I have been working on getting back to fitness after my C-Section and balancing training with being a mum.

Motivation - What keeps you going on days when training feels hard?

Klay!

Season aims: What do you want to achieve this season?

To get back to competing and have fun. And to get more sleep would be nice!

Rivals or competition: Is there a player or team you’re excited to face again?

Everyone. I’m just really looking forward to getting back into the competition environment.

Mindset: How do you stay calm and focussed before a big match?

Follow my routine and stick to what I’m used to. I always make sure I’ve eaten well and I like to go for a walk outdoors. When I arrive at the venue, I start getting my equipment ready before doing my physical and on court warm-up. And then it’s into the call-room. After a match, I always catch up with my coach to do a match debrief - then I head off to refuel, rest and recharge before the next match.

Advice for young players: What advice would you give to someone new to boccia?

Try and not take training too seriously - just have fun with it and enjoy playing the game.

Looking ahead: What are you most excited about in the year ahead?

I’m looking forward to travelling the world with Klay (and Kevin too of course) and just getting back into competition to see where I’m at.

Good luck Kayleigh, Kevin and Klay!