What a Year for The Unofficial Official Boccia World Cup!
The Puddle Project’s annual Unofficial Official Boccia World Cup holds a truly special place in our hearts. As the very first event ever held at The Puddle in 2021, it has grown into a highly anticipated and raucously enthusiastic gathering, bringing together SEND families from our local community for a day of fierce, yet friendly, competition. Everyone vies for the coveted title of Boccia World Champion, and 2025 certainly delivered on all fronts!
This year, with the fantastic new Puddle multi-sports pitch as our venue, the competition was bigger and better than ever. The draw for the 2025 tournament proved to be one of the toughest we’ve ever seen, throwing up some incredible early-round matchups!
Epic Battles and Shock Exits!
Right out of the gate, we witnessed a titanic clash between two strong favorites: Macky D and Abbie, a formidable Puddle team, facing off against the reigning World Champions, Team Renshaw. This was a first-round draw that nobody saw coming, meaning one powerhouse had to go! After a truly nail-biting encounter, it was Team Renshaw who emerged victorious, seemingly paving their way for a clear run to the final.
The first round continued to deliver the drama, with another age-old rivalry igniting the pitch: Wire v Saints (Warrington v St Helens). The bragging rights ultimately went to Wire, while Families United saw off a valiant challenge from Friends Play. As the draw unfolded, Team Renshaw and Families United were looking like sure bets for the grand finale. But as we all know, in Boccia, anything can happen!
Unsung Heroes and Strategic Masterminds!
The semi-finals were nothing short of spectacular, with both matches going down to the very last end. In a truly inspiring performance, our very own Josh (Scratchy), carrying his teammate Councillor Stuart Mann through every round, pulled off a stunning upset, defeating the 2024 World Champions, Team Renshaw! The crowd erupted, showing that true grit and determination can overcome even the most formidable opponents.
The second semi-final was equally tense. Families United (the Dreaded Jones Family) took on the often-overlooked runners-up from 2024, Team Matty. Team Matty has been a constant challenger over the years, but Matty has always struggled to find a consistent partner, with both mum and dad proving to be “weak links” in the past. It looked like history might repeat itself this year, with dad Phil struggling to keep pace with the high standards.
However, in a stroke of genius, dad Phil embraced a strategic defensive role, allowing Matty to unleash his incredible attacking precision. This newfound synergy saw them through to the grand final for the second year in a row – a true testament to adapting and playing to your strengths!
A Final for the Ages: Matty’s Moment!
The stage was set for what promised to be the closest final yet. Two of the greatest singles players of all time, Matty and Josh, were pitted against each other. It was destined to be a story of which “weak link” would crack first: Phil or Councillor Stuart Mann?
Watching Matty and Josh battle it out was a thing of beauty. Their ability to showcase such high-level skills, coupled with the growing excitement of the crowd, was simply unbelievable. Every roll of the ball was met with anticipation and cheers.
The Unforgettable Finish!
Eventually, it was Councillor Stuart Mann who succumbed to the immense pressure in the very last round of the final. Sensing the weakness, Matty seized the moment, taking home the coveted crown with the final ball of the tournament!
Though everyone felt a pang of sadness for our fantastic Josh, who had given his absolute all, the entire Puddle family was united in celebrating Matty’s incredible achievement. After five years of unwavering commitment, Matty finally reached his long-term goal of becoming World Champion – even if dad Phil remains, as we put it, “useless”.
A Heartfelt Thank You!
A special thanks must be made to all the families who participated. Your enthusiasm and dedication continue to show what the SEND community can achieve when given the opportunity to shine. We are incredibly grateful for the continued support and belief from Cheshire Community Foundation, whose contributions make events like these possible.
And finally, a huge shout-out to Stonebakers, our go-to event caterers. Not only do they make the best pizza in the world, but their respect and interaction with our SEND community truly make them feel like family.
What an incredible day, and what an unforgettable tournament! We can’t wait to see what next year’s Boccia World Cup brings!
