Snooker attracting pupils on portable tables

PORTABLE snooker tables are helping schools to take a pot at the sport.

After a successful introduction to snooker last year, partnerships between Terry Griffiths Snooker Hall and Carmarthenshire’s 5×60 scheme have continued to strengthen.

Now collapsible touring tables have been pocketed following a successful Sportslot Community Chest grant application allocated by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of Sport Wales. They will be distributed amongst local secondary schools, where, with the support of the school’s 5×60 officer, a clubs will be established.

Pupils will be encouraged to play as often as possible during these extra curricular clubs, and then to attend the snooker hall to continue to play the sport regularly.

Llanelli’s 1979 World Snooker Champion Terry Griffiths has been supportive in forming strong links with the 5×60 scheme in local schools. He said: “It would be great to see the junior section within the Hall growing. With the addition of having touring tables distributed across the county, I hope it will encourage pupils to get hooked on a sport I love and gained so much from.

“If I can help a child realise their potential that would be great.”

Bryngwyn School 5×60 officer Laura Thomas is delighted to be the first to get her hands on the tables.

She said: “Last year I ran a club from Terry club where pupils received expert coaching from both Terry and his son Wayne.

“It will be fantastic to be able to offer the sport to so many pupils on their own school site. I am excited to see pupils try a sport they may not have had access to previously, and hope that this will lead on to great things for some of our youngsters.”

County executive board member for leisure service Cllr Clive Scourfield said: “It is remarkable how over the years snooker has become acceptable and is now being fostered by the schools and council.

“This is a wonderful initiative supported by our very own world champion who will tell you himself snooker was not this accessible when he first got his taste of the sport.”

CAPTION : IN THE POCKET: Pupils from Bryngwyn school try out one of their new portable snooker tables at Terry Griffiths Matchroom Snooker Club Bryngwyn school pupils Morgan Phillips, Els Evans, Connor Davies and David Nangalia with Terry Griffiths and Laura Thomas 5×60/PE teacher at Bryngwyn .Pic Jeff Connell