Getting Started in Snooker

The World Snooker website is formally connected with a number of major suppliers of equipment. This includes one of the best places to start for beginners, Rileys.

The Internet is naturally an excellent way to find bargains and locate shops in your area. The following link will give you a list of notable suppliers with online shopping facilities. That said, it’s good to search around and don’t overstretch yourself with big purchases while still a beginner.

Youth development

The Junior Snooker website, despite its somewhat amateurish lay-out, is one of the best places to start if you’re a young player looking to get into the competitive side of the sport. It is regularly updated with all the results to local tournaments, contains a full schedule and has a long list of contacts for further information.

World Snooker also runs the World Snooker Academy, which is a sub-set of the English Institute of Sport in Sheffield. The Academy incorporates junior schools and boasts both excellent facilities and top quality training for aspiring professionals and intermediate players. Contact the organisation for more details if necessary.

Getting started across the UK

Local leagues are a great entry-point for both casual and serious players. One of the best websites in this area is UK League Snooker, which acts as a host for an array of competitions across the country, enabling you to see any close by and get in contact with other aficionados via their forum. Failing that, the World Snooker website is another good place for contacts in England.

Similarly, if you’re situated in Scotland, try the local snooker leagues at Scottish 8Ball.

Welsh residents should look into the Welsh Billiards & Snooker Association at 123, Cefn Hengoed Road, Winch Wen, Swansea SA1 7LT, or contact them via telephone at 01792 412197.

The Northern Ireland Billiards & Snooker Association is naturally the best place to look into if you live in Northern Ireland.

Regional websites across England and the rest of the UK can be found on the BBC webpage. Worldwide snooker associations can even be found through the IBSF website.