Starting a Pétanque Club in Ireland

A Practical Guide from the Irish Pétanque Association

Pétanque is one of the simplest sports in the world to start playing. Starting a club, however, requires thought, structure and commitment. The good news is that it is entirely achievable. Clubs across Ireland have done it successfully, often beginning with nothing more than a small group of committed people and a shared vision.

This guide walks you through the key steps.

1. Deciding What Type of Club You Want to Be

Before laying a single boule, decide on your structure.

Unincorporated Association

Most new clubs start this way. It is simple and suitable for volunteer-run community clubs.

Pros

• Easy to establish

• Minimal administration

• Flexible

Cons

• Committee members may carry personal liability

This works well for early-stage clubs.

Company Limited by Guarantee (CLG)

Provides legal protection for officers and may suit clubs that:

• Intend to lease land long term

• Plan significant capital development

• Apply for larger grants

Many clubs start simple and incorporate later if required.

3. Governance – Constitution, Officers and Insurance

Constitution

Every club should adopt a written constitution covering:

• Objectives

• Membership

• Committee roles

• AGM procedures

• Financial controls

• Disciplinary procedures

Keep it practical and workable.

Officers

Minimum:

• Chairperson

• Secretary

• Treasurer

Additional recommended roles:

• Competition Secretary

• Safeguarding Officer

• PRO / Media Officer

Clear roles prevent burnout.

Insurance

Public liability insurance is essential.

Affiliation with the Irish Pétanque Association provides access to national insurance cover, which is particularly important when dealing with local authorities or operating on public land.

4. Affiliate with the Irish Pétanque Association

Every new club should affiliate with the IPA.

Affiliation provides:

• Listing on the IPA website

• Ability to publish opening times and club updates

• Entry into IPA competitions

• Access to national insurance cover

Insurance is crucial when:

• Using public land

• Negotiating with a County Council

• Applying for grants

• Partnering with another sports club

Affiliation strengthens both your club and the sport nationally.

5. Choosing the Right Location

Location determines long-term success.

Consider:

• Parking

• Toilets

• Lighting

• Shelter

• Accessibility

• Visibility

Clubs near existing amenities grow faster.

Suitable locations include:

• Public parks

• Rugby or GAA club grounds

• Community centres

• Disused sports facilities

• Marina or harbour developments

6. Public Park, Existing Club or Private Land?

Each option has advantages.

Public Park

• Visible and accessible

• May involve planning permission

Existing Sports Club

• Shared facilities

• Requires agreement or licence

Private Land

• Full control

• Full responsibility

Engage early with landowners and local authorities.

7. Equipment You Will Need

Basic Equipment

• Boules

• Jacks

• Throwing circles

• Measuring tapes

• Scoreboards

• Rakes and maintenance tools

Recommended Suppliers

Start simple. Build gradually.

8. Building the Terrain

Before construction, read:

The Design and Building of a Pétanque Terrain (Edition 3, 2021) by Brian Forbes

Key principles:

• Proper excavation and drainage are essential

• Use crushed carboniferous limestone

• Never use pea gravel

• Follow the Golden Rule: never exceed 2.5 times stone size in layer depth

Drainage is critical in Irish conditions.

9. Example Construction Costs in Ireland

Contractors Used

Waterford PC

10. Grants and Funding

While Sports Ireland capital grants are not currently applicable to petanque club, many funding options exist:

• County Council community grants

• LEADER / Rural Development funding

• Cultural and integration grants

• Healthy Ireland initiatives

• Local Area Partnership funding

Every club should join their local Public Participation Network (PPN):

11. Online Presence and Promotion

New clubs should create a Facebook page from the outset.

A Facebook page allows you to:

• Promote playing times

• Advertise open days

• Share progress photos

• Attract new members

• Engage with the local community

Set up a Page, not a personal profile.

Consistency matters more than perfection.
A quiet page suggests a quiet club.

12. One-Page Club Start-Up Checklist

13. IPA Club Starter Pack