Earlier this year we partnered up with the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards, Sport England and World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association to create and launch the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards Young Leaders Programme which would take place during the summer. The goal of the programme was to introduce more, young and talented individuals to snooker.
The summer programme turned out to be a massive success, over the summer 48 sessions took place across the UK which seen 111 new, young and talented players introduced to snooker and billiards. The programme was attended by a group of individuals aged 14 - 16 years old who assisted the WPBSA coaches when running the event. To accompany this the volunteers also completed five online modules to gain the skills and knowledge to support high quality club activities.
As a result of the volunteers hard work and dedicated throughout the summer they will be honoured at the Saturday afternoon session at the Dafabet Masters. They will enjoy a backstage tour of the Alexandra Palace venue, participation in the new World Snooker Fanzone and last but not least they will also be presented with their Young Leader certificates and tickets to the first semi-final of the 2020 Dafabet Masters. The volunteers will be the first graduates to represent the programme however this is set to grow over the coming year with 12 more clubs affiliated to the EPSB’s 147 Club scheme invited to run coach-led junior holiday clubs with support from nominated Young Leaders.
Following on from the news WPBSA Club and Facilities Manager Bob Hill commented: “This opportunity to watch some of the world’s best snooker players and enjoy the first-class experience at Alexandra Palace is a testament to the work these young people have put in over the past year, supporting their clubs and the younger players who have taken up our sport through the holiday clubs programme.
“We hope they’ll all have a fantastic day and will enjoy reflecting on their excellent achievements.”