The Heart of England Pétanque Association*

Pétanque is a game for everyone. Sometimes referred to as French Boules, it can be a competitive sport for those who enjoy playing it seriously but can also be enjoyed socially with friends and family.The HoEPA structure means there will be a club near you that you can visit to find out more about the game and try it for yourself.Our members will be happy to welcome you and your friends to their club and help you get started. So go to the “Find a Club” page and arrange a visit to a club near you.

There are currently eight PE affiliated clubs in the HoEPA region. Becoming a member of one of these club and taking out a PE license provides you with a number of additional benefits. There is the opportunity to play in regional and national competitions. There is also coaching available for those wishing to add to their skills. PE members are also covered by insurance while engaged in many aspects of playing, practicing and social events directly related to pétanque.

Learn more about the benefits of becoming a Pétanque England member

There are a number of non-affiliated clubs within the HoEPA region. Some confine their playing to internal social pétanque. Some others have formed groupings that play in local inter club competitions during the summer months. We are always keen to be made aware of these clubs and to offer our input from the region. Our wish would be to see these clubs join the wider pétanque family and derive the benefits of PE membership for both the club and their members.

There is an extensive programme of competitions played within the HoEPA. Most clubs have internal leagues that are open to all their members. For the club’s PE members there are regional singles, doubles, triples, and shooting competitions held throughout the year. There’s also an inter club league and for players wishing to extend their game, the opportunity to qualify to represent the region in various competitions. Most notably, the Inter-regional Competition organised by PE each September.

One of the main aims of the HoEPA is to encourage member’s to continually raise their skills in all aspects of the game. To help promote this development, there is a continual programme of coaching both within the clubs and at a regional level. It is by developing our member’s skills that we can compete successfully in regional competitions and see some of our members achieve national standards. The HoEPA aim is to have at least one PE qualified “Club Coach” in each club.Another important aim is to attract the next generation of players - they are our future. All the clubs in the region are keen to encourage new junior members and to help them enjoy the sport of pétanque.