Snooker SOS: Rotherham League appeals to youngsters to pick up a cue as numbers decline

During its heyday the Rotherham Snooker League boasted around ten divisions and had around 600 players competing every week.

Now, despite rising standards of play, it has only two divisions of 12 teams.

League secretary Dave Wilkinson said: “Back in the 1970s and 80s working men's clubs and billiard halls were booming and the league produced some very good local players.

“The steady demise of the clubs has coincided with a decline in the amateur game.

“There are still around 300 active players in the league and Rotherham, like Sheffield, is still a hotbed for snooker.

“They still have two of the biggest leagues in the country and century breaks are not uncommon, but we do need more younger people to get into the game to give it a brighter future.”

In an effort to encourage younger players back to the sport and support local teams and clubs, the Rotherham League committee is proposing to abolish the handicap system for new players under the age of 21 and hope to run a junior competition next season.

Dave added: “In the past the league has produced some professionals from its ranks, most recently Thurcroft player Ashley Carty, who returns to the professional ranks next season.

“Local clubs are always keen to enter teams to the league as there are obvious benefits to bar sales with regular fixtures.

“We know there are plenty more potential snooker players out there and whether they want to play seriously or more for leisure, we'd love to hear from them.”

Anyone wanting any further information about how to get involved in local snooker can contact Dave Wilkinson at [email protected] or call him on 07910 945911.

The league's results and progress can also be followed on social media. Please search Facebook for Rotherham Snooker League.