A PROFESSIONAL snooker coach from Bromsgrove has launched an academy to help get youngsters off the street and into the sport.
Kevin Ellis was asked by Alan Turner, manager of Pockets Snooker Club in Kidderminster, to run the academy in aid of the Paul Hunter Foundation for those under the age of 18.
The academy starts on Saturday, March 18 from 10am to 12pm and will cost nothing for the first ten weeks.
Following the initial ten-week period, Kevin will continue running the sessions for a small charge.
He said: “The aim is to get as many kids as possible off the streets, off their phones and Xbox and come and enjoy this wonderful game which I’ve been playing since I was the five.
“I’ve been lucky enough since graduating as a coach in 2011 to become come friends with world number two Stuart Bingham and keep in contact with him in every tournament he plays in.”
At the academy, there will be free Paul Hunter T-shirts for youngsters, medals and certificates to give out after mini competitions.
There’s also the chance of a World Snooker Road Show at the club ran by head of the Paul Hunter Foundation, Chris Lovell, and six-time world champion Steve Davis.
The Paul Hunter Foundation was established in 2006 in memory of Paul Hunter to help youngsters play the sport.
Kevin added: “Snooker has been in my blood all my life. If I can give something back, the things I’ve learned in all the years I’ve been playing, then that’s only got to be good for our sport.
“It doesn’t matter if you’ve never played snooker before as I’m willing to help everybody, girls or boys. Everybody is welcome and it’s not just about taking part, it’s about having fun and enjoying yourselves at the same time.”
For more details, contact Kevin on 01527 878664 or 07947 932900 or Alan at Pockets Snooker Club on 01562 740291 or 07921 227112.
