Last Tuesday, January 16, French teacher Amy Pasterczyk of the University Preparatory School brought her 6th Grade French students to the Edmonds courts for an introduction to French culture and sport. This was the second year that the EPC has hosted a group of UPrep students who have opted to study French.

After a short introduction to the game, our 32 visitors broke up into teams of three (Equipe Rose, Equipe Verte, Equipe Rouge, etc) to experience the game of petanque. Each team benefited from the support and advice of a veteran Edmonds coach.

Although Monday’s weather had featured freezing rain, and Wednesday brought an ice storm that closed schools in Edmonds, Tuesday’s weather was superb. Under sunny skies and almost balmy 40 degree temperatures, the afternoon was a complete success.

The following day, Amy reported that the young players were still busy talking about their games of the day before and debating petanque strategies. Before the UPrep school buses pulled away, all the Edmonds Petanque Club coaches made a point of inviting the young first-time players back to Edmonds with their families and friends, to continue the fun they had with petanque.

Coach K offers suggestions for the next shot.

Patrick describes the perfect arching point.

Jeanna is on edge as her young protegee is about to play her boule.

Jan’s players are glued to the action…

… as is Forest, the opposing coach on the court.

Cris is able to share the finer points of “arbitre-ship.”

Coach Bill sports his beret to underline an especially Gallic approach to the game.

The kids had a blast during their visit, and we hope to see next year’s class back at the courts in 2025.