There are 25 clubs (with a membership of some 400 licensed players) in the Southern Counties Petanque Association (SCPA) which are affiliated to the English Petanque Association (EPA). The Region is one of the largest in the UK, encompassing the counties of West Sussex, Hampshire, Dorset and parts of Wiltshire and Surrey.

There is a well established league structure (inaugurated in 1978) which is keenly supported by most clubs. It is so formulated that even the newer players can enjoy the friendly competition of league participation and there are club and regional tournaments throughout the season.

The SCPA has a special place in the history of petanque in the UK as it is at Samuel’s Rest (formerly Sam’s Hotel), Shedfield, near Wickham, Hampshire, that the British Petanque Association (the forerunner of the EPA) was founded.

Petanque, also known as “Boule” in this country, is very much the sport for all the family and therefore it is not uncommon to see three generations playing together on an equal footing and thoroughly enjoying themselves in the process. It is also a sport which welcomes the participation of the disabled and every encouragement is given in this area.