The Welsh Pétanque Association (WPA) is excited to introduce a new Dragon Skills Award Scheme to nurture the next generation of junior players. The program is designed to provide a clear progression pathway, helping young players develop their skills step by step, beginning with the fundamentals of the sport.

Starting with the White Dragon Award, juniors begin their journey by mastering the basics of pétanque. This initial milestone is followed by advancing through the Green, Red, and, ultimately, the prestigious Gold Dragon Awards. Each level represents a growth stage, building on technical and strategic skills crucial for competitive play at both national and international levels.

The Red and Gold Dragon Awards focus on refining abilities and achieving high consistency, preparing juniors for top-tier competitions. These advanced awards are designed to be accomplished over time, allowing players to grow and enhance their skill set through experience gradually.

To ensure thorough development, each award level—except the Gold Dragon—comprises two parts, Part 1 and Part 2, both of which must be completed before progressing to the next stage.

All achievements are recognised and celebrated, with successful participants honoured at club and national levels. The program offers a rewarding journey that is as fulfilling for the players as it is for the coaches who guide them.

WPA-qualified coaches at local clubs play an integral role in helping juniors navigate the Dragon Skills Award program. Coaches can seek additional assistance from the National Coach or contact the WPA at juniors@welshpetanque.org.uk for further support.

The WPA hopes that juniors and coaches will enjoy this structured and rewarding pathway, which develops players’ potential and strengthens coaching practices through a clear and practical framework.

For more details on the requirements for each award level, please visit the official WPA website.