Be part of English snooker’s 147 Club

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The 147 Club will officially launch as part of this month’s Betway UK Championship in York.

Improving standards

The scheme aims to promote a modern, positive and progressive perception of clubs by improving standards, boosting the junior game and encouraging new players from all backgrounds into the sport.

With the support and guidance of the EPSB, participating clubs will be required to meet set criteria around player welfare, insurance cover and coaching provision, with the aim of improving the club environment for all.

Club benefits

At the same time, clubs can gain substantial membership benefits by joining the 147 Club, such as inclusion on an official online club finder map, links into amateur competitions and training support. The scheme also offers a bespoke insurance package for clubs of any shape or size.

A free Silver membership and a £90 Gold membership are available, with the latter offering wider benefits and significant cost-saving advantages. Any clubs taking up Gold membership will also receive a year’s free e-subscription (normally £30) to the long-established magazine, Snooker Scene.

WPBSA Club and Facilities Manager Bob Hill said: “This important new scheme reflects feedback from clubs, recognising the improvements required to transform the look and feel of snooker clubs and showcasing the best places to play our sport.

“The 147 Club is open to all types of facility where snooker is played, including commercial clubs, social clubs, community halls and leisure centres. We want to demonstrate that snooker can be played in safe, clean and modern environments that are open to everyone.”

One club that has already stated its enthusiasm to join the initiative is Hazel Grove Snooker Club in Stockport. The club’s manager Dino Georgiou commented: “We are keen to get involved with the 147 Club affiliation scheme as it will bring much needed credibility to the industry and set the standard required to enhance snooker at a grassroots level.

“From a business point of view, being affiliated and recognised in this way will boost the club’s image and this in turn will have a positive effect on trust, perception and ultimately membership sales.”

Another venue that is set to join up is the South West Snooker Academy (SWSA) in Gloucester. Manager Andrew Norman said: “The SWSA is proud to become a member of the 147 Club. This will support us in providing professional playing and coaching facilities as well as staging tournaments for all players, both professional and amateur.

“We look forward to working with the scheme to help provide people with every opportunity to learn, play and enjoy the sport of snooker.”

The new initiative aims to become a proven model which will extend to other National Federations in the sport.

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