As the Italian clubs were formed around Victoria and Australia, bringing together like-minded Italians to share their traditions and regional cuisines, bocce was the sport they played.

At its peak in the 1970s and 80s, the bocce courts in all of the clubs were the buzzing with activity, and it was common to see the courts jam packed with players and many waiting for hours to play a game on their club courts. Games were also played very late into the evenings as everyone loved their bocce! This was also evident in the Croatian and Slovenian communities as there were some clubs that had the same experiences.

Both men and women’s club teams were formed, and competitions were held on a regular basis, with many of the finals finishing very, very late on Sunday nights.

Bocce enjoyed quite a few decades of thriving success, but unfortunately these days, it’s popularity has faded somewhat, and the competitions are smaller and the number of players fewer.

There are still many clubs that continue to maintain their courts for the passionate remainder of players. Clubs such as Freccia Azzurra, Knox, Veneto, Furlan, Sunshine, Lazio Marche, Casa D’Abruzzo and Altona in metropolitan Melbourne, as well as Morwell and Shepparton in regional Victoria.

We are looking for women to play bocce.

It’s a game that can be played by women of all ages, from the young to the elderly. There are many clubs that have local nights that you can join to try the sport.

At the Veneto Club there is also #VCBOCCE, an initiative that provides people interested in trying bocce with a fun social evening where bocce is played with disco and Italian music, followed by supper. This is held each Thursday fortnight. Freccia Azzura has a Tuesday afternoon competition and Furlan has Wednesday training nights, or Friday nights for competitions.

In Victoria we have a ladies federated competition which has regular competition games for singles and doubles, and we are hoping to encourage new players to join us.

The youngest federated female player is Laila Favrin (aged 43) and the most senior is Luigia Melocco who turns 89 this year. Laila has been playing for a couple of years and comes from a very successful family that played for the Veneto Club, including her dad Giuseppe, and uncles Gustine and Guierrino. Our most senior player Luigia is one of the regular competitors representing the Furlan Club – and she’s still winning tournaments! So as you can see, the age range is vast.

The youngest players in Victoria are aged 7, 9, 10 and 11 and the 9 year old is a female!

Bocce is a beautiful sport that can be played by people of all ages – and you do not need a lot of physical ability to play.

If you are interested in trying bocce you can contact any of these women who are supporting women’s bocce in Victoria and Australia.

Sonya Velo for #VCBOCCE and social fun bocce nights – also if anyone would like to donate or sell their bocce via this email or 0400 414 199.

Vanessa Allegretto for bocce clubs in Melbourne Metropolitan area and club contacts via email or 0419 199 310.

For all things bocce in Victoria, check out the Bocce Victoria website or contact them at this email.

For Bocce sport all around Australia visit the Bocce Australia website Bocce Australia - The official website of Bocce in Australia or contact Bocce Australia via this email.