Youth Development
 

Ages

Juniors are players that are under the age of 18 in the calendar year (1st January to 31st December). In this country "Juniors" includes the internationally recognised age groups of:

• Minors  -  under 11 years
• Cadets  -  11 to 14
• Juniors  -  14 to 18

These age groups would usually play together but sometimes there are events for the separate age groups. Younger players can take part in an event for older players but older players cannot take part in an event for younger players.

What do you need to play?

Most clubs will lend you a set of boules when you first start but in time you will want your own set.

It is important to choose the right size and weight, your Club Coach or Youth Development Officer should be able to help you with your selection.
Flat shoes (trainers are good), comfortable clothing is best and a waterproof jacket is very useful.

Many clubs have their own "club shirts" and you will be required to wear team kit (matching tops) at all National competitions.

Awards

As with many other sports we have a programme of progressive skills. This is ‘The Junior Skills Award Scheme’ currently sponsored by Pen-y-Coed Pétanque. There are 4 levels within the scheme ranging from The White Award for the newest players, up to The Blue Award for the most advanced players. A medal and certificate is awarded for each successive level. By taking part in the scheme you will learn new skills, improve your play and have a tangible reward to celebrate your success. The awards must be taken in order, you can get more details on each course by following the links below:

• White Award
• Green Award
• Red Award
• Blue Award

Testing
The White and Green Awards may be tested by a Grade 3 Coach.
The Red Awards must be tested by the Regional Youth Development Officer or someone suitably qualified appointed by him/her.
The Blue Awards must be tested by the National Coach or someone suitably qualified that has been appointed by him/her.

Pétanque in Schools

A number of schools and youth groups across England are affiliated to the English Pétanque Association. Every year there is a competition called The Schools’ Cup (currently sponsored by Pen–y-Coed Pétanque).

There is also ‘The Schools’ Trophy’, which is awarded annually to the school that has gained the most awards from The Award Scheme during the year.

Club Play

To find your nearest club why not use the EPA Club Link.

All types of players play at club level, those who play just for fun right up to international players. All ages take part and many clubs play in a League system, as in football, with many juniors playing for their club league team. Some clubs "twin" with other clubs abroad such as France, Belgium and Germany.

Regional Play

The EPA has 15 County Region Associations, which hold their own competitions, either just for juniors, or for mixed adult/junior teams.

Our largest competition is called the Inter-Regional Championship & Challenge Tournament.  Each region has its own method of choosing their squad of nine triples teams, which includes a junior team -  either by selection, qualification or a combination of both.

The tournament is run over two days, normally the first weekend in September and sees each region play against each other to find the top region in both division one and two.

National Play

The EPA organises triples and doubles competitions open to all junior members of the Association.

The Home Nations Competition is for teams from England, Scotland and Wales. Two junior teams from each nation help to make up the squad for each nation.

International Play

To select the teams to represent England and the EPA, those playing in the EPA Junior Triples and Doubles are observed and a squad of players selected. This squad meets for training and players are selected to make up teams for the main international events, which are

• The International North Sea Pétanque Tournament (one junior team, one women's teams, one espoirs (18-22) team and one open adult team). In 2008 this will be held in Copenhagen, Denmark in late June.
• The Junior European Championships (every 2 years). This will be held in 2008 in the Netherlands (Holland).
• The Junior World Championships (every 2 years). This will be held in 2009 in Tunisia.

So as you can see that there is something for everyone, at whatever level you wish to play!

Any queries contact the .