It took two closely fought tie-breaks followed by a sudden death play-off before the North East Team emerged as winners of the first qualifying Lord's Taverners National Junior Boccia Championships which made for an exciting day at the Championships held at Nottingham Trent University Clifton Sports Hall on Thursday 11^th February 2010.

Six winning teams from the regional heats travelled some distance to compete in these games which were played throughout the day and the final contest between the young people representing the East Midlands and the North East required considerable concentration and tactics. The team from the East came a commendable third, Yorkshire fourth, South West fifth and London sixth. Each team had five players and each game consisted of 4 ends and the competition was run as a round robin with each team playing all of the other teams All of the young players were congratulated and indeed encouraged to continue with their training because for certain the competition will grow in the years ahead. 67 teams had taken part in the Regional heats involving 378 players and 169 Young Officials trained.

Assisting with the organisation were 12 young officials from schools and colleges from around the country, two of whom received their Gold Award certificates. These and other volunteers are essential for the smooth running of the competition.

Trophies and medals were presented by Jean Ratcliff, Disability Sports Advisor to the Disability Sports Appeal. The teams coming first, second and third were also presented with a permanent memento of the day and every player presented with a certificate.

Jean Ratcliff said how gratifying it was to work with such a dedicated team at CP Sport and that Mary Johnson, the National Junior Development Officer who joined CP Sport to deliver The Lord's Taverners programme must be thanked for all her efforts in making these Championships such a success. Throughout the first year since her appointment Mary has worked tirelessly to establish the pathways for the junior development of Boccia. Nine centres have already been established in the regions where there are trained tutors and the Young Leader Awards delivered. These centres will be focussing on outreach and setting up inter school competition and leagues and clubs as participation increases.

Shirley Hughes, Head of CP Sport said this initiative by The Lord's Taverners is a much needed and important boost for the youngsters some of whom no doubt will have aspirations of representing GB in this paralympic sport.

Boccia (pronounced botcha) is a game which is similar to petanque. It is played from a seated position and, as a non-contact game which relies on skill and subtlety rather than size or strength, is an ideal game for those with more complex disabilities. The Lords Taverners work with CP Sport to deliver the five year programme which is part of the work of The Disability Sports Appeal.

The message for the day was - Play Hard - Play Fair - and enjoy the day. Everyone did.

Jean Ratcliff

THE LORD'S TAVERNERS National Under 19s Team Boccia Champions 2010
The Team from the North East Region

Runners up the Team from East Midlands

The Boccia Young Officials selected from across England
to referee at the National final

Young Official in action after the Competition
this young man received his GOLD Young Officials Award

There are a few more pictures from this event in the photo gallery.