Congratulations Robyn - you are World class!

BOCCIA UK has confirmed that local star Robyn McBride has joined the World Class Programme.

Boccia is a game of strategy and accuracy and players must throw, roll or kick coloured balls as close as possible to a white target ball, known as the ‘jack’.

Robyn, 24, made her debut for Boccia UK at the World Cup in Rio last April and has since demonstrated huge potential.

The 24-year-old reached the last 16 at December’s World Championships, defeating highly ranked players such as Thailand’s Ladamanee Kia-Han, the then world number four, en route.

Last year, the Northern Ireland star also won a silver in the BC3 Pairs with Will Arnott at the Veldhoven World Boccia Challenger as well as a bronze in the BC3 individual event.

The local woman – joined on court by dad Davy as ramp assistant – was brought onto the World Class Programme for an initial trial period of six months but has now firmly cemented her place in the squad.

In total, there are now 12 athletes in the Boccia UK squad that receive funding as part of the World Class Programme. Each athlete on the programme is supported at day-to-day training and any competitions they attend, as well as services such as physiotherapy and strength and conditioning, thanks to UK Sport, The National Lottery and the DCMS.

“I’ve loved every minute of being on the Boccia UK squad and am thrilled to be continuing on the World Class Programme in the build up to Paris 2024,” said Robyn.

“We’ve got a busy schedule ahead of us in which we need to gain vital ranking points but I’m looking forward to the challenge.

“I’d like to thank the National Lottery players who make this all possible.”

Boccia UK Performance Director Greg Baker said inclusion was a huge vote of confidence.

“To achieve selection to the World Class Programme, an athlete needs to demonstrate realistic medal winning capabilities for future Paralympic Games.

“We are really excited to welcome Robyn, Fiona, Kayleigh and Sally onto the programme which really improves our strength and depth at international tournaments.

“Boccia is a thoroughly demanding and exacting sport and we are confident that the new athletes joining the programme have got what it takes to be successful at this level.

“They have each demonstrated a problem solving and highly strategic mindset that is required to be a world class boccia player and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”