Introducing Pétanque to a New Generation at Dereham Neatherd High School’s Sports Festival

On a beautifully sunny Thursday 17th July, Norwich Pétanque Club was delighted to be part of Dereham Neatherd High School’s Sports Festival, bringing pétanque to a fresh crowd of enthusiastic young players.

Club coach Mark Bell, supported by assistant Sharon Thorndyke, led pétanque sessions throughout the day — giving students aged 11 to 14 a chance to learn and play the game, many for the very first time.

The day was packed with variety, as students rotated through three different sports coaching sessions — choosing from a wide range of activities including (but not limited to) darts, wheelchair basketball, American football, zorb football, and of course, pétanque — as well as taking part in three track race sessions.

Mark and Sharon coached three groups of children (9, 12, and 7 in each group), and it didn’t take long for some friendly competition to kick in. The young players were quick to pick up the basics, and the sessions ended with some impressively competitive games and lots of smiles all round.

It was a fantastic day of sport, sunshine, and new experiences — and we hope to see some of these students at one of our upcoming junior coaching sessions.

👉 Find out more about junior pétanque at Norwich Pétanque Club here:https://www.norwich-petanque.co.uk/junior-coaching