Alton College opened new boccia courts in its sports hall on October 13.

They were funded through the Alton College Foundation, by a Neighbourhood Community Infrastructure Levy grant from Alton Town Council and a Community Grant from East Hampshire district councillor Emily Young, and installed over the summer.

Cllr Young, Alton town mayor Cllr Annette Eyre, Alton College Foundation managing director Trevor Heley and assistant principal for curriculum Ashley Grute attended the opening and had a tour of the boccia area from sports lecturer Dean Gillatt.

Dean said: “It’s great to see this investment in boccia at Alton. It’s such an inclusive and competitive sport, and getting these new facilities really helps students on the sports courses with their referee training.”

The guests then played Treloar College students who take courses at Alton College, including one who represents England, in a game of boccia.

Speaking of the link between the colleges, Ashley said: “It is hugely valuable for students to be able to take part in this inclusive sport and continue the tradition of success of Alton College and Treloar’s students in the game.”

Alton College is one of only a handful of schools and colleges with boccia lines on their sports hall floor.

Cllr Eyre said: “It is always a pleasure to share experiences with people with such passion in learning, teaching and playing boccia. It is truly a sport which is totally inclusive for all in the community.”

The boccia courts are part of a larger improvement scheme to make the sports hall more user-friendly and accessible.

Cllr Young said: “It was fantastic to visit Alton College and see the exciting improvements being made to the sports hall to make it more accessible.

“I’ll be keeping a close eye on boccia - and on the students I met today - as we look ahead to the next Paralympics.”