First Young Leader Graduates Invited To The Masters

The Saturday afternoon session of this year’s Dafabet Masters will not just be notable for the high calibre of player taking part.  It will also be a celebration for a group of young people who have supported snooker and billiards projects across the country over the past year.

Since the launch of the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards’ (EPSB) Young Leaders programme during the summer, a cohort of fledgling volunteers aged 14-16 have assisted WPBSA coaches to run junior holiday clubs, while also completing five online modules to gain the skills and knowledge to support high-quality club activities.

These junior-focused initiatives have represented an exciting new collaboration between the EPSB, Sport England and Sport Structures.

On 18 January, the group will enjoy a backstage tour of the Alexandra Palace venue, participation in the new World Snooker Fanzone, a presentation of their Young Leader certificates and tickets to the first semi-final of the 2020 Dafabet Masters.

They will represent the first graduates of a programme that is set to grow in 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.

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.”

Any English clubs interested in running junior holiday clubs, with support to engage local schools and community groups, should express an interest by email to clubs@epsb.co.uk or by calling 0117 317 8203.