On 29/10/2024 Chris Chubb announced his resignation from the P.E. Board & Junior Lead by the P.E. Junior Facebook page below is Chris’ Statement.
It is with great sadness that I have to inform you that on Saturday 26.10.24 I submitted my resignation as PE Junior Lead and PE Board member effective from 1.1.25. I have been very much involved with our national juniors for just over two years, initially as a volunteer with no official role and then for the past 12 months as Junior Lead of PE. I have found the roles challenging but hugely satisfying. The young people I have had the privilege to work with are fantastic, talented, focused, energetic and a joy to work with, I thank them all and hope they continued their trajectory upwards in our sport. Without parents and coaches the juniors could not thrive, I thank them for the encouragement they have provided to their youngsters, for the 1,000’s of miles they have driven and the hundreds of hours spent on pistes around the country, not playing themselves but supporting young players. Hopefully I leave the organisation in a better state than I found it.
Last year we had a full calendar of events, singles, doubles, triple, adult/junior championships, coaching opportunities at various locations, international challenges, I trust these will continue. We know who you are! I arrived knowing just a few of you, now we are aware of where our juniors are, and how to contact them – without which we could not function. Look at our Website and social media – a big thanks to Mark Bell for the transformation he has created, you give him the information and he is likely to publish it for the enjoyments of all.
The Skills Award scheme is working and providing motivation for our young players and guidance to our coaches, thanks to Samueljacks for their sponsorship. It is fair to say that throughout I have had the full support and cooperation of Petanque England, the Board, many coaches, players, mentors and enthusiasts – thankyou. Please continue your positive input to ensure that our juniors continue to expand and improve. A final thankyou to John Edmondson who agreed to become the Juniors chief coach for 2025 onwards but in effect has been doing the job for the last couple of months. John is a man who devours work, the juniors are lucky to have him and I am sure he will do a great job. I am aware of the skills and ability of many of our members and supporters. I would ask that you think hard about coming forward to take my place, the ship is seaworthy & equipped, it just needs to be navigated through the coming months and years. I promise it will give you great satisfaction and you will be supporting a great bunch of special young people.
Why am I leaving, it is a personal matter which has no bearing on the job, or the organisation. I am leaving with regret but with anticipation that someone younger and more able will come forward to take our kids to the next level. Finally, to our Juniors – another thankyou for the opportunity to work with you and see you grow into our sport, my mantra is that you must continue to have FUN, enjoy what you are doing, immerse yourselves in the friendships you have and will develop, encourage each other and, what was it – yes, have FUN.
– Chris Chubb
We have also received the following comments from the P.E. President Colin Roper:
It is naturally it is with regret that Chris Chubb has resigned from is his role with the National Juniors. More so, as following discussion with Chris nearly three years ago, together we commenced creating a new regional development structure for our National Juniors. Whilst it involved other regional coaches, the fundamental constructive work required was under- taken by Chris, to reach its current stage from which can be further developed.
As Chris has indicated his decision, it is personal and private and as such, be respected.
On behalf of our PE governing body, senior and junior members, we thank you for the work you have voluntary given for the future of our Juniors.
During the period of transition can i ask for all your Junior stories to be sent Mark.Bell@petanque-england.uk as we want to continue the great work that Chris has started so please keep sending in your stories so we can celebrate your successes.
To stay informed about junior pétanque activities, we invite you to follow @PEJuniors on Facebook. This platform will keep you updated on all the latest happenings and developments. Additionally, for information regarding upcoming events, please visit the juniors webpage at Juniors (petanque-england.uk).