Bocce Australia has been training a keen group of bocce players with potential during the year. Under the direction of National coach Tony Biancacci the athletes have participated in four training camps in Melbourne. We have been fortunate to have the support of a number of coaches to mentor these young athletes. They have been taken through the four bocce disciplines that Australia would compete in. Some players have already had international experience, competing for Australia at last year’s World Junior Championship in Rijeka, Croatia and the Raffa Championships in Rome. Thanks to the coaches, Louis Majagna from NSW, Frank Fava from the Latrobe Valley, Gino Montuoro from Melbourne and supported by Santo Pascuzzi from metropolitan Melbourne for practicing their coaching skills with these players. Thanks to the Frank Funari for coordinating these important training camps. Participating athletes include, Nick Cooper, Kelly Sperne and Nick Penney from the Latrobe Valley and Ivan Pepe and Santo Pascuzzi from Metropolitan Melbourne. From New South Wales we have Daniel Samsa, Tristan Giacometti and Liam Spagnolo, South Australia is represented by Alec Ganeo and Declan Fedele. The assistance and contribution to these camps by the parents and other supporters is greatly appreciated.

Stage 2 of this training project will include the introduction of a sports science program for elite athletes. The program was initiated by National Coach, Tony Biancacci and will be carried out in conjunction with the Fitness Goal Personal Training Company and support of Bocce Victoria. It is anticipated that the World Junior Championships will be held in Europe late in August, 2011.