We have now started playing boccia against Downend Destroyers on a regular basis. We play once a month at Yate Leisure Centre with Paul’s Place holding a narrow lead at the moment. The matches are keenly contested and getting closer all the time.

We have also entered a team into the national boccia league. The initial stages are regionalised with the country being split into 14 areas. We are in the South West region along with Downend Destroyers and the South West Warriors, whose players come from as far afield as Street in Somerset and the Forest of Dean. There are also two teams from The Star Centre in Cheltenham - the Kings of the Court and the Untouchables. Each team plays one another on a home and away basis and the winners of each group go through to the finals to be held at the University of Nottingham later in the year.

One of our members, Sean Francis, is an England boccia squad player and recently competed in an international tournament in Cheshire against Canada, Scotland, Wales and Great Britain. His form was excellent throughout the weekend and did his chances of forcing his way in the GB squad for the next championships a great boost.

In March, Paul’s Place competed in a boccia tournament at Horfield Leisure Centre organised by Bristol Disability Sports. We somehow managed to get our four teams into the semi-finals, which they obviously enjoyed. The competition was good fun and very well organised so congratulations to all involved, particularly Jay, who pulled it all together.

There is now a boccia coaching session every Tuesday afternoon from 1.00 pm to 3.00 pm at Yate Leisure Centre for anyone with a disability, so if you are interested, just come along and give it a try. For more information, ring Pete on 07798 644003.

Paul’s Place has now moved to a new location at Coalpit Heath Cricket Club and anyone (with a physical or cognitive impairment) interested in becoming a member can get more information by calling 01454 777236 or 01454 772332.