The UK’s biggest junior snooker academy is celebrating a successful week after 50 children from clubs across the country attended a summer camp designed to engage, train and provide a place for like-minded youngsters to socialise and compete.
Walsall-based Junior Snooker Academy Hosts Popular Summer Camp
The Qbar snooker club junior summer camp saw players from its own academy join up with youngsters from clubs across the UK, including Brighton, Essex and Lincoln, as well as a number of Polish players who flew over especially for the occasion to attend the Walsall Wood academy’s engaging program.
Qbar Summer Camp attendees pose for a photo
The week consisted of top-level coaching from WPBSA coaches and fun snooker-related activities, as well as learning more about the game with a series of on-and-off-the-table lessons.
Organised by Qbar’s resident coaches Andrew Highfield and Dan Buskin, the Qbar summer camp also attracted attention from 16-year-old WSF World Junior Champion, Stan Moody, who visited the club to show his support for the aspiring youngsters.
Coaches Dan Buskin and Andrew Highfield with WSF World Junior Champion, Stan Moody
Qbar Under 18 International Champion Crowned
The week culminated with a thrilling snooker tournament that saw 50 young players compete to become the first-ever Qbar Under 18 International Champion.
Following a number of exciting group-stage matches between various clubs, the action ended with a hard-fought encounter in the final where Toby Smith from Qbar Academy faced Seth Charter from JPS snooker club in Harlow.
15-year-old Toby, who trains at Qbar’s Elite Academy, lifted the title to gain his first award.
Toby from Qbar Elite Academy wins the title
“Well done to everyone involved, it was a great day and all of the juniors gave it their 100%,” said Fay Tapper, who founded the academy with her sister Kerri.
“We are proud of everyone who took part, a special mention to the younger and less experienced players who came to the tournament to gain as much as they could from the day. All juniors have to start somewhere and I’m super pleased that we had over 50 entries!! A great day, playing snooker, making new friends and gaining lots of invaluable tournament experience.”
What’s next for Qbar?
The junior academy continues as usual with training for over 70 kids, while the venue plans to host the EPSB UK Under 18 Junior Championship in April, 2024.
For more information, follow Qbar on Facebook. For details of WPBSA coaching or joining the academy contact Fay on: 07523944093