The ancient sport of bocce has rolled through many centuries, countries and cultures.

Originally developed in Italy, Greece or Ancient Egypt – depending on who you ask – it is now played by millions around the world, at everything from family gatherings and social pub leagues to schools and even the Special Olympics.

Throughout bocce’s evolution, off-shoots have been spawned, including the similarly named but very different sport of boccia (there’s also English lawn bowls and French pétanque, but that’s another story).

The similar spelling and pronunciation of bocce and boccia has created a lot of confusion, so to help make sure you don’t drop the ball when deciding which one to play, we’ve created this guide with an overview of each and advice on bringing the game to your bocce or boccia venue of choice.

Packaworld has launched its online Europe store, making it easier and more affordable for European customers to purchase its innovative portable bocce courts, goalball goals and water polo nets.

Shoppers in Europe can now buy the high-quality inflatable courts and goals in their local currency, with quicker delivery times and lower shipping costs. 

Orders are shipped from Packaworld’s warehouse in Apeldoorn, the Netherlands, operated by Strong in Logistics Solutions (SILS).

​Packaworld chief executive Peter Roberts said the company’s move into Europe would help sports organisers, clubs and schools bring the joy of sport to their communities. 

The ancient sport of bocce has undergone a resurgence in some parts of the world, helped in part by the invention of a new portable court that lets players take the game with them wherever they go.

Traditional bocce courts are made of wood or stone and can be 8-14 feet wide and 60-100 feet long. These are the kinds of courts that were used in town squares and courtyards during the days of the Ancient Roman empire.

They look good and work fine, but they are far from portable. They certainly can’t be packed up and taken to communities and locations crying out for new and accessible recreational opportunities.

Wellington’s Village at the Park has become one of the first lifestyle villages in New Zealand to offer bocce after the ancient Italian sport graced its halls during Seniors’ Week.

​An introductory ‘have a go’ session was run by Packaworld International CEO Peter Roberts, who showcased bocce to a group of intrigued residents using one of Packaworld’s world-first inflatable mini bocce courts.

​Bocce is an ideal sport for people of all ages and abilities because it relies on skill rather than athleticism. The game shares a common heritage with bowls and petanque, but is played in a court with walls. This allows different strategies such as rebound plays.

​Arguably United States' biggest and most luxurious life style communities, Willow Valley, will now be offering bocce to their long list of sports activities they offer their residents.

Their exceptional, world class amenities include a new 30,000 square foot Clubhouse with six-lane bowling alley, golf simulator, vintage arcade, outdoor pool and spa area. 

"We're delighted that they've opted for our bocce courts," said American Bocce, Co-Founder and Packaworld US distributor, Ben Tudor. 

Picture courtesy of Friendship Village

Bocce is now another sport to add to the impressive list of activities at Friendship Village, Schaumburg - Chicagoland's premier retirement community. 

"Recreational activity and light competition can provide a huge bump in the enjoyment of a resident's latter years," said Michael McCann, Director of Lifestyles. " Bocce is a perfect way to achieve this as it is a sport anyone can play and is as much about strategy as it is strength or athleticism."

Key to providing Bocce, at Friendship Village, has been their acquisition of the inflatable bocce courts from Packaworld.