Scottish Stars Lead Community Coaching Award
Scottish snooker stars John Higgins, Anthony McGill, Marcus Campbell and leading referee Leo Scullion recently joined 11 budding snooker coaches in taking part in the WPBSA’s latest Community Coaching Award.
The one-day course was hosted by the Johnston family who own Minnesota Fats Snooker Club in Glasgow.
In April 2017 a landmark partnership agreement was reached between the WPBSA and Scottish Snooker, the national federation for the sport in Scotland. More recently, Scotland also became the latest country to join the World Snooker Federation, snooker’s new International Federation.
The course covered:
- An introduction and overview of the roles played by the WPBSA and World Snooker in today’s exciting world of snooker.
- How to set up Cue Zones within snooker clubs attracting children of all ages to the sport and increase participation.
- Child protection and safeguarding.
- An introduction to how coach the basics of the game using the Terry Griffiths blueprint.
- How to initially assess a pupil on their first visit, diagnosing their standard of play in order to begin their coaching programme at an appropriate level.
- How to deliver and record a structured coaching lesson using the WPBSA’s White to Black coaching development programme.
What the delegates said:
John Higgins
“I thoroughly enjoyed the day which was well run by Chris and Andrew. It was great to be on the other side of the playing game seeing all the hard work that goes on at grass roots via the Scottish Snooker association led by Paul Marinello and Anne Totten.
“Sometimes as a busy player on tour you become embroiled in your own world which is great, but it does you good to see the great work being put in by everyone to ensure the game gets back on track across Great Britain. It was also good to meet up with all the people on the course and see their passion for snooker in Scotland which I will support whenever possible in the future.”
Paul Marinello – Chairman of Scottish Snooker
“The course has been a huge step forward for Scottish Snooker in its partnership with the WPBSA. It’s fantastic to see Scotland’s top Snooker Professionals taking part and supporting the grass roots of the game which is putting Scottish Snooker in a strong position for the future.”
Davy Johnston
“The course was first class, professionally delivered. I have been coaching for the last 12 months together with Anthony McGill and this has given more enthusiasm and knowledge to do more with the children and inspire me to go on and do the Level 2 1st4Sport Snooker Coaching qualification.”
Anthony McGill
“I found the day to be very well delivered and very informal which gave every one of us a chance to learn in line with our own level of knowledge and experience. As a professional you have the knowledge but not necessarily the coaching or teaching skills for people to take on board what you want them to learn, this course has given me a great start for children to hopefully do that and become better players.
“I’ve been coaching with Davy Johnston for 12 months and this now gives us a real direction to move forward using the white to black scheme knowing we’ve got the full support of Chris Lovell and Andrew Highfield together with the WPBSA and Scottish Snooker behind us – A great day was had by all.”
Marcus Campbell
“A very professionally delivered course which was relaxed and light hearted. It gave me an insight into how to pass on my snooker skills to others so we can help the game grow in Scotland.”
Leo Scullion
“Absolutely first class, it’s given me a way to pass on my knowledge to people to improve their game. I’ve been privileged to referee at the top of the game and witness at first hand top players such as John etc., but the course really has given me the tools and the confidence to begin to teach people how to play.”
The next coaching courses will be held at Gloucester’s South West Snooker Academy next month:
