In early 2023, Monkstone Pétanque Club embarked on a mission to expand its junior membership, aiming to create a vibrant and thriving junior section. Starting with just two junior members, the club’s efforts have already paid off, with the Junior Section growing to eleven members since its official establishment in April 2023.
Led by Ashley Seath (Youth Development Officer), the Junior Section runs alongside the regular club sessions every Sunday from 11:00 to 13:00 (weather permitting). The program is supported by a dedicated group of volunteers who have all undergone DBS checks, with a WPA-qualified Senior Coach overseeing activities to ensure a safe and structured environment for the young players.
The Welsh Pétanque Association (WPA) has recently introduced a new Dragon Skills Award Scheme to nurture the next generation of players. The program is designed to provide a clear progression pathway, helping young players develop their skills step by step, beginning with the fundamentals of the sport.
It is hoped that existing and new junior members will see this as positive and work through the four levels over time.
For more details on the requirements for each award level, please visit the official WPA website by clicking here.