The History of Blackball and the English Counties EPCF / EPBF

The E.P.C.F. (now the E.B.P.F) was originally formed in 1995 by Tony Batch, with the intention of providing national teams to take part in the E&U.K.P.F international competitions played to their rules (more commonly known as BAPTO rules)

Having competed successfully at international level for two years , the demand for pool being played to these rule proved so great that in 1998 Mike Leavens formed the EPCF County structure. In the first year with 9 counties and in second year doubling to 18 Counties and holding the first ever EPCF County finals in Hengar manor in 1999.

In 2004, E.U.K.P.F. became members of the W.P.A. (and though them ultimately the I.O.C.) the main directive to promote a standard game of blackball pool throughout the world.

On joining the WPA the E&UKPF changed its name to the European Blackball Association. (E.B.A.) and the E.P.C.F. in turn has renamed the organisation the English Blackball Pool Federation (E.B.P.F)

The E.B.A. is a continental member of Blackball International along with Africa, Asia and Australasia and along with other W.P.A. countries now has a world wide membership, total some 109 countries.

The EPBF is one of the major members of the E.B.A and the E.B.P.F. wholly supports the E.B.A. and W.P.A. to promote the game of blackball of players of all level.

The E.B.P.F. has national representation through their counties structure and regional representation through their local leagues.

Through their membership of world recognised bodies, the E.B.P.F. can provide their players with competitions at all levels from local leagues up to the World Championships.