What a wonderful 7 weeks it was on the bocce courts in Term 1. The bocce program at the Veneto Club united participants from five U3A municipalities for a season filled with learning, laughter, friendly competition and plenty of improvement along the way.

From the very first week, participants were warmly welcomed and introduced to the Veneto Club’s beautiful grounds, rich history, and strong connection to the Veneto region. A guided walking tour set the tone for the course – personal, relaxed and community focused – before anyone stepped onto the bocce courts for their first bowl.

A game open to all

No experience is required. This program is carefully structured to suit all abilities. Participants are encouraged to find their own comfortable bowling style, focusing on balance, safety and enjoyment rather than perfection. As the weeks progress, confidence grows, techniques improve, and smiles become more frequent. A new game format or fun twist was introduced each week, from target mats and Powerballs to creative scoring challenges and team rotations. These variations kept sessions fresh and engaging whilst gently building skills in aim, distance, strategy and teamwork. This also allowed that inner competitive streak within many of the participants to show itself!

Fun friendly competition

Each week teams are mixed up using clever and playful methods – favourite ABBA songs, birthdays, house numbers, car registrations, and even random draws. This ensures everyone has the chance to play with different people, strengthening connections and making the mornings as social as they are active. A progressive player ladder added a light competitive edge, rewarding participation and teamwork throughout the season. By the final weeks, skills had noticeably improved, with players confidently applying strategy under traditional ‘volo’ rules, something many had never tried before.

The finale

The end of term was a true celebration, displaying close matches, enthusiastic cheering and impressive bowling. The season wrapped up with the top player awarded a trophy. Participants were encouraged to have a coffee or a quick bite to eat in the Veneto Club Bistro, proof that bocce is as much about community as it is about the game.

We’re back in Term 3

If you’re thinking about giving bocce a try, or would love to build on what you already know, U3A bocce returns in Term 3. Whether you’re new to the sport or coming back for more, you’ll enjoy a welcomingatmosphere, supportive coaching and plenty of fun on the courts.

So come along to the courts in Term 3, have a bowl and be part of something special!

When, where and how

• The tutor is Sonya Velo.
• All equipment, free coaching and parking are provided.
• Players pay a nominal fee of $5 each session.
• The 7-week course runs from Monday 30 July to 31 August from 10:15 am to 12:00 noon.
• The venue is The Veneto Club undercover bocce courts, 191 Bulleen Rd, Bulleen 3105.
• Enrol via Member Wizard on the U3AM website (login to Member Portal > click on Classes > Monday > then scroll to find bocce) or at the Office.

Sonya Velo
Tutor, Bocce – Fun and Exercise with Bocce