Younger pétanque players sought for expanding club

The City of Bath Pétanque Club is hosting a two-day tournament with teams from across Europe competing

A pétanque club has said it wants to attract more younger players to the game, as it prepares to host an international competition.

The City of Bath Pétanque Club (CoBPC) is hosting the 2024 Friendship Games on Saturday and Sunday, with teams from across Europe competing.

The event will be held at its base at Larkhall Football Club, which is the country's largest facility for the sport, with 16 pistes accommodating up to 100 players.

Cary Bush, treasurer of CoBPC, said: "We have performed reasonably well in the past. The club is growing and we want to continue going through this rotational tournament with newer, younger players."

Pétanque, sometimes called boules, is usually played on gravel with hollow steel balls and a small wooden target ball, or jack.

French in origin and often seen being played in the country's streets and squares, it is known as a fun and inclusive activity which allows people of all ages, gender, ability and fitness to play together.

The game involves skill, precision and strategy

"Our oldest player is 93," said Mr Bush.

"We are progressing, the club is growing and a lot of new players are coming in and spending a lot of time being coached and doing really well, so we're very pleased."

The club takes part in local leagues and tours overseas to compete internationally

CoBPC regularly competes in local league matches, as well as in tournaments overseas in Jersey, Guernsey and Ireland.

The club will represent England in The Friendship Games, competing against teams from France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and Luxembourg.

Bryan Huish, CoBPC chairman, said planning the event had been a "massive effort" by everyone.

Later in the autumn, the club will be touring Spain for another competition.