A History of Bocce at the Club
From its inception, the Veneto Club was made up of a group of people looking to build a community of its traditions, and the enjoyment of comradery, competition and culture through bocce. Before the Veneto Club was built we had five Bocce courts, then came la Baracca, and with the growing membership and interest a further three bocce courts were built in what is now the Bocce Drome. The social games started, then the picnics, homemade Veneto traditional foods and then intense bocce competitions. Sub-committees for both the men’s and women’s bocce were formalised to manage their competitions, teams and fundraising events.
Our 1st sport, bocce still continues today with eight bocce courts being an integral part of our grand building which proudly hosted the 1979 World Bocce Championship, which was held outside of Europe for the very first time – a major coup for our Club. In 1985, the World Bocce Throwing Championship was also hosted at the Club, as well as the 25th World Bocce Doubles Youth Tournament and 3rd World Youth Throwing Championships in 1988.
The Veneto Bocce teams have had many national and state champions and many club members representing Australia at world titles. A great honour for the Veneto Club is its long list of champions such as Guerrino Favrin, Silvio Gatto and Emilio Colla just to name a few. The men’s and women’s Bocce teams have also participated in many interstate trips to compete against the Veneto Club (SA), Club Marconi and the Yogali Club (NSW).
The bocce committee continues to provide community competitions and games for members and their friends.
BOCCE COURTS
Our Bocce Arena consists of eight courts – all are available to Veneto Club members and the general public for casual hire.
If you have your own bocce - court hire is $4 per court for a one-hour game or 13 points.
If you require bocce hire - the cost is $10 per person which includes court & ball hire fees.
Bookings are essential for members and general public - we require 48 hours notice for these types of bookings.
Our Bocce arena is also used for school sports days and cultural activities held at our Club, as well as corporate and team building activities.
We can tailor an event to include traditional bocce and/or bocce games plus catering to suit all ages, all abilities and all budgets!
So, give us a call!
U3A MONDAY MORNINGS:
This is FUN AND EXERCISE WITH BOCCE morning for U3A (University of the 3rd Age) recommences in term 3 (21st July).
TUESDAY EVENINGS:
Open training for juniors, new players, and those wanting to improve their game skills.
WEDNESDAY NIGHTS SOCIAL GAME:
A long-standing six-week competition designed for seasoned bocce players.
This competition is open to those with a basic understanding of the game and fundamental skills. No equipment? No problem—bocce balls will be provided if needed.
Each Wednesday night, teams are randomly selected, playing in either doubles or triples.
The cost is $15 for six weeks or $4 per night.
At the end of every six weeks, prizes are awarded to the players with the most wins.
THURSDAY NIGHT - #VCBOCCE:
Experience the perfect mix of competition and community at #VCBOCCE! Two exciting bocce games, 80s disco & Italian pop, free raffles, and a light supper. Open to all—come solo or bring friends! Cost: $20 for Veneto Club members and $25 for non-members.
Starts 7 PM. BOOKINGS a must go to TRYBOOKINGS and search for VCBOCCE or click the button.
SATURDAY MORNINGS- fortnightly:
We are the proud home of the Melbourne Inner East Special Olympics Bocce Group for over two decades.
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Read more about the #VCBOCCE nights by following the Friends of Veneto Club Facebook page and also the Veneto Club Facebook page.
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INTERESTED IN DONATING BOCCE BALLS OR TROPHIES TO THE VENETO CLUB:
If you have any old bocce trophies that you no longer want to keep – the Veneto Club will gladly give them a great new home in our bocce courts. Simply box them up and drop them off to the reception desk at the Veneto Club – marked to the attention of the Bocce Committee.
Need more information about Bocce at the Veneto Club:
For any bocce-related queries please email culture@venetoclub.com or sports@venetoclub.com and we will put you in touch with the relevant bocce contacts.