New Programme to Support English Snooker Leagues
The English Partnership for Snooker and Billiards (EPSB) is today excited to announce the launch of a new League Registration Programme that has been created to provide a crucial link between snooker leagues and the sport’s national governing body.
Thought to be the first of its kind in England, the programme will bring the EPSB closer to the hundreds of active leagues across the country and establish a connection to the thousands of amateur and recreational players that turn out to represent their local venues.
The programme will also establish a ‘leagues network community’ and working partnerships that are beneficial for all parties, as well as new EPSB league competitions staged that will ultimately see new national league and team champions crowned.
Key Benefits
With registration priced at just £9.99 per year, leagues will be able to access the following exclusive benefits:
- News and Guidance: Leagues will have the benefit of being directly connected with snooker’s national governing body which can provide advice and access to initiatives and training courses.
- Profile and Exposure: League promotion through EPSB social media channels and a dedicated section on its website. Leagues will also be invited to send in news stories to be featured in a new weekly newsletter.
- EPSB League Competitions: Only registered leagues will have the opportunity to nominate players to compete in two new national EPSB competitions to take place later this season.
- Joining a community: Be part of a national community and to connect with other member leagues in an open forum Facebook group.
- EPSB League Referee Course Discount: Direct access to our new league referee qualification at a discounted rate (further information to follow).
To begin the registration process, please visit our dedicated page and complete the quick and easy form.
Highfield Backs New Programme
One of the lead coordinators for the new league scheme will be Andrew Highfield, who for many years has been a key member of the WPBSA Coaching Delivery Team and is also the President for the Staffordshire and West Midlands Billiards and Snooker Association – one of the biggest leagues in the country.
Well-connected and respected amongst players and officials alike, Highfield will play a big ambassadorial role in the launch and development of the new programmes:
“I started playing in my local league when I was 13-years-old and have now been on the committee for the last 21 years. I’m excited and it is a pleasure to be involved with the new leagues programme – I think it will help kickstart us all returning to action after the lockdowns and hopefully reinvigorate the overall grassroots and league scene,” said Highfield, who has also been a qualified coach since 1998.
“I think the package that has been put together is really good and it will link in with clubs and hopefully get more juniors playing. With the new national league competitions coming up it may give younger – and all league – players the incentive to get involved more and could potentially see them then go even further in the sport.”
Simon Berrisford, EPSB CEO added: “I’m delighted to see the launch of our League Registration Programme, a key initiative which will form part of the EPSB’s next stage of development as we strengthen the links across all amateur levels of the sport across the country.
“We look forward to working and engaging with league officials and introducing ourselves to the thousands of club players, providing them with exposure, new opportunities and competitions moving forward.
“It’s a big step for us as an organisation, but it heralds an exciting new era for amateur snooker and billiards in England, for which everyone is invited.”
Further information will be added to our new League Snooker section over the following weeks.
Article by the EPSB.
