The National Youth Academy (NYA) is the umbrella group for Petanque England youth play. A team of coaches manage the different groups three different groups for youth:
- National Youth Squad (NYS)
- National Development Program (NDP)
- NYA Championship events
Juniors are players that are under the age of 18 in the calendar year. The term ‘Juniors’ includes the internationally recognised age groups of:
- Benjamin – up to and including 9 years old
- Minor – 10, 11, and 12 years
- Cadet – 13, 14 and 15 years
- Junior – 16 and 17 years
Most Junior events are open to all the junior age categories, but sometimes they are age-specific, with separate playing categories for specific ages. In age-specific events juniors can play in group above their age range but cannot play in a younger age group.
INTERNATIONAL PLAY
The National Youth Squad was introduced in 2013 with the goal of selecting players to represent our country at International events, leading to better results than those previously achieved through a series of qualification events with self-selected teams.
One product of this innovative and developing scheme is envisaged as encouraging a larger number of our promising juniors to improve their skills, through its coaching provision, and consequently to broaden the base of quality juniors capable of representing England in future years.
Our NYA coaching team is supported by additional PE coaches for specific events. They are accountable to the PE Board.
To be successful, selected juniors must show commitment by practising regularly and completing any given requirements. Dedication and practice are essential features of this project, as is all of our support for our young players.
DEVELOPMENT SQUAD
Although still in its infancy, the National Development Squad is designed to help the general standard of youth players in England and to promote PE youth membership.
The NDS is run by the Kath Knight. It has its own coaching team dedicated to youth development.