Cobbetts Boules Club - one of the oldest petanque clubs in the UK
About Us
We play the form of French boules, known as petanque at the Burridge Social and Sports Club, Botley Road, Burridge SO31 1BS. The club was formed in 1974 and originally played behind Cobbetts Restaurant (now Reggina's) in Botley Square, hence the name. The club eventually moved to Burridge Sports Club in 1996 where it now has a large, wheelchair accessible terrain with enough room for 19 games. We have probably the best floodlights in the south, thanks to the generosity of Closewood UK, who helped us upgrade them to energy efficient LEDs in February 2019. The club has about 40 members of all ages from 7 years old to 70+ and welcomes players of all abilities. Our membership ranges from those who just like an occasional social game, through those who like the competitiveness of league matches and competitions, all the way up to those who have represented the region and the country. We pride ourselves on our inclusiveness with everyone mixing up to play at club sessions and giving the opportunity to play league matches and competitions if they wish. Club Sessions
Held throughout the year on Tuesdays evenings from 7:30pm, Friday mornings from 11am and Saturday afternoons from 2pm. If you’ve played before, even if only on holiday, and are looking for a club to join, come along and see how friendly we are. If you’re looking for a new sport to play, we can lend you some boules and show you how it goes. Feel free to join us in the clubhouse afterwards for a chat and a drink from the bar. Family and friends are most welcome at our club social events and of course to come and try out petanque. Our Vision
To be a thriving community petanque (boules) club with an active membership across the age ranges. Allowing our members to enjoy the sport of petanque and develop their game to whatever level they wish (social to elite). Our Mission Statement
To encourage all ages and abilities to enjoy the sport of petanque. Our Key Values
· Respect – for everyone
· Having Fun – on and off the terrain
· Inclusiveness – one club
· Development – helping our players meet their personal goals
The Boules Family
Boules clubs are known for their friendly collaboration and members of other clubs often become good friends. The club is affiliated to the Southern Counties Petanque Association (SCPA) which is one of the largest of the 15 member regions of Petanque England. The club currently enters two teams into the SCPA 9-a-side league and three teams into the 6-a-side league. These teams have seen much success in recent years, including winning the championship of both leagues in 2018 and reaching the finals of the national stage of the EuroCup in 2019. The club runs a very popular doubles competition each Remembrance Sunday in aid of the Poppy Appeal. This raised £1000 in both 2018 and 2019 and £600 in 2020 despite the Coronavirus restrictions. We also hold another very successful open doubles earlier in the year, as well as organising and hosting competitions on behalf of the Southern Counties region. The club also has a long running twinning with petanque players in Le Havre. One year we make the trip over the channel to stay with French families and the next year we host them here. A great social weekend, with the added bonus of taking on the French and beating them at their own game! French in origin, it is now played right across the world and is one of the most inclusive activities available where people of all ages, gender, ability and fitness can play equally together. Played with hand-sized metal boules on various types of gravel surfaces (terrains) the object of the sport is to get as many of your team's boules closer to a small wooden ball (coche) than that of your opponents. This can be achieved by accurately throwing your boule (pointing) or hitting out your opponent’s boule (shooting). All boules of one team nearer to the jack than any boule of the opponents’ counts for one point each. Usually all games are up to 13 points. It’s a great sport – why not come along and find out for yourself!
