Despite the best efforts of talented, charismatic and entertaining individuals such as Ronnie O’Sullivan and the late Paul Hunter, snooker remains a sport tainted with an unfairly boring reputation. Many young people perceive snooker as a game for older people and overlook it, preferring to indulge in a spot of American or English pool.

However, the launch of World Snooker’s ‘Hotshots’ scheme aims to change this attitude, by showing that there are still plenty entertaining personalities, to whom young people can relate, playing the game. At the official launch, Daniel Wells, the first player to be presented with the Paul Hunter Scholarship, spoke about his ambition to encourage “younger viewers” to be more enthusiastic about the sport.

Fellow professional, Jamie Cope, reiterated Wells’ opinions by stating that snooker is “a game for all ages”. Cope is certainly an example of the type of personality that the world of snooker really needs. He has an entertaining and aggressive style of play that should prove attractive to young viewers.

Some pundits remain cynical about the scheme from World Snooker, stating that previous similar schemes have failed. However, nobody can accuse World Snooker of being complacent about the image it attempts to portray to young people.

The ‘Hotshots’ scheme follows hot on the heels of other efforts to involve young people in the sport. For example, World Snooker Limited and World Snooker Academy have teamed up with Sheffield City Trust to fund a tournament for students from schools across Sheffield. The final of the competition will be held during the World Snooker Championship next year.

Written by Charlotte Cook