A teenager from Surbiton could make an appearance at the 2028 Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.

16-year-old Sophie Newnham is too young to compete at the Paralympic Games in Paris this summer, but she is certainly heading in the right direction to make an appearance in four years’ time.

Sophie competes in boccia, a Paralympic sport that involves throwing, kicking, or rolling balls towards a target ball, known as the “jack”.

It is a game of precision and accuracy.

The Surbiton ace has now been invited onto Boccia UK’s World Class Programme, which is supported by UK Sport, The National Lottery and DCMS.

Sophie said: “Being selected for the World Class Programme is a huge milestone for me and it can only improve my performances with all the additional support I’ll now receive like physiotherapy and strength and conditioning.”

Sophie steps up from Boccia UK’s Talent Transition Squad which supports promising athletes on their way to the top.

She made her senior international debut earlier this year and has impressed by winning medals at major events and competing against highly ranked athletes.

The highlight to date was a silver medal at the Povoa World Cup last month, where she beat the world number two.

Boccia UK Performance Director Greg Baker explains: “To achieve selection to the World Class Programme, an athlete needs to demonstrate realistic medal winning capabilities for future Paralympic Games.

“We are really excited to welcome Sophie onto the programme – she is a seriously talented player and is definitely one to watch.

“To be successful at the highest levels in boccia, we look for athletes that are good problem solvers and can play strategically.

“It’s a demanding and exacting sport but we believe Sophie’s got what it takes, and we’re excited to see what the future holds.”