In London boules is the new cool sport

In recent years, in Anglo-Saxon countries, one of the sports that has gained the most popularity is pickleball. It is a sort of cross between tennis and ping pong, but it is a much simpler and milder practice, which is why it has mainly become an alternative to typical activities for the elderly. Pickleball gained particular success during the pandemic, and it is estimated that over five million people now play it regularly in the United States alone. And although it is still mostly played by those over sixty, the percentage of younger players is growing. It is even believed that pickleball, despite its limited global presence, could aspire to become a professional sport in the future – if not even an Olympic one. This is a leap that padel is also trying to make – a tennis-like discipline that has seen rapid growth in recent years, even in Italy. These sports, though practiced in different geographical areas, have now become part of the daily lives of many people. But there is another activity that has recently been gaining traction: like pickleball, or in some ways padel, it is considered a "somewhat elderly" sport, yet – similarly – it is managing to appeal to a younger audience. This is boules. More and more people are enjoying playing boules because it is a very easy and relaxing practice that requires almost no effort. Moreover, it is free, accessible to almost anyone, and on an amateur level, it doesn't require much concentration – for instance, it's common to play while having a drink with friends. For this reason, "it seems that boules is here to stay", writes the British newspaper The Standard, noting how popular it has become in London, especially among the young. Additionally, compared to sports like pickleball or padel, it is considered less silly to play and, in some ways, more charming.

Why playing boules is so popular

One of the main reasons for the success of boules in big cities like London is its social aspect. This is, in fact, a game that greatly encourages gathering and is ideal for those looking for a recreational activity that is engaging but not overly competitive. Its spread also reflects a broader trend: the return to outdoor activities and pastimes that allow people to connect in what might be considered an authentic way – away from technology. The retro aesthetic and imagery associated with this discipline have also contributed to creating an aura of coolness around boules, turning it into a real trend. Although it may seem surprising, the rise of the sport in metropolises like London shows how traditions and popular culture can be reborn in modern urban environments, finding a second life in unexpected contexts. Today, in Europe, this sport is also highly appreciated in France, to the point that in various parts of the country, it has long been known even among young people. But it is Italy that has historically contributed the most to the evolution of the game of boules, which has become an integral part of the social life of many local communities. Over time, formal regulations were introduced, standardizing the size of the boules, the length of the fields, and the scoring methods. In 1896, the first national boules federation was founded in Italy, and during the twentieth century, the discipline also spread to other countries, including France and Switzerland, as well as Argentina, where communities of Italian immigrants helped to popularize it. It is no coincidence that the most successful teams in international competitions are those from Italy and France – the latter, in particular, dominates in the so-called Pétanque, a variant of the game with slightly different rules and smaller boules, which is very popular in the country. Nonetheless, the sport is now practiced all over the world, both at the amateur and professional levels – thanks to leagues, high-level tournaments, and increasing media visibility. The most prestigious events, such as world championships or the Mediterranean Games, attract thousands of enthusiasts. Furthermore, the sport of boules has been recognized by the International Olympic Committee, and its future inclusion in the Olympic Games is under discussion, particularly with regard to Pétanque and Paralympic boules – which is already present at the Paralympic Games.