About Northern and the English Petanque Association

The Northern Region was formed as a new region of the British Petanque Association in March 1998 and covered mainly Lancashire , Cheshire and Yorkshire but also theoretically every other county further North up to the Scottish border.
Prior to this, clubs in Yorkshire were part of the East Midlands region (Leicester based) and other clubs were non regional.
There were 9 clubs and 85 players registered with the Region during 1998 and the current membership (2007) is 13 clubs and 84 members.

In 2004 the national organisation was changed with the English Petanque Association (EPA) taking over the running of the game in England and a new umbrella body the British Petanque Federation (BPF) being formed covering England, Wales and Scotland.
The umbrella body was not a success. Each national association is now directly affiliated to the FIPJP. (The International Federation).
Under the new organisation each area of the EPA has more autonomy but still works within the EPA constitution to further the game in England.

As part of these changes the Northern Region was renamed Northern Petanque and the membership decided to focus on the 3 main counties.
Individuals or clubs based outside but close to Northern such as in Durham may still apply to join Northern since no other regional organisation currently exists further North.
The playing of petanque is increasing steadily in the North although many clubs and individuals are not yet part of the EPA.
The Northern committee will do all it can to further the game at all levels from Regional (and leading to National) down through leagues and club competitions to purely social play.

See the membership page for more details on the cost and benefits of membership

Link to the English Petanque Association website