is snooker dying out in uk?

[jrc750]

See Golf, Clubs, dying on their a**e......
same scenario. Being elitist does nothing for grass roots development of the game.

I guess there are plenty of snooker clubs in Sheffield, this is an academy

[thommo335]

I guess to keep out the riff raff

See Golf, Clubs, dying on their a**e......
same scenario. Being elitist does nothing for grass roots development of the game.

[guernseygooner]

Only thing is you need to be pretty good to adapt to these tables as players who aren't will really struggle with the pace and tight pockets.

So true from personal experience in the past. Its almost as if you need a new cue action after a lifetime of slapping balls around on slow club tables.

[cueman]

The star academy was originally only set up for the overseas players to have a practice base so they could improve their game in preperation for the main tour.

Its only in recent years has it been opened up for the general public to go along and play on these tables. Most of their revenue comes from overseas clients who come over for a few weeks at a time and are put up in good quality accomodation and have meals cooked for them.

Its a great set up and the best time to go is on a weekend as its quieter so you should get a table unless they have a comp on which they do from time to time. Keith who runs it just lets you get on with your game, you have access to the kitchen area to make yourself a drink, its fantastic and can't recommend it enough. Only thing is you need to be pretty good to adapt to these tables as players who aren't will really struggle with the pace and tight pockets.

[jrc750]

I guess to keep out the riff raff, only dedicated aspiring pros/current pros allowed

[thommo335]

why isn't it?? it's a facility with snooker tables in it, well maintained and a pleasant environment to play in. Why wouldn't you want to maximise the revenue generated from it. The staffing costs would be outweighed by the extra income. No wonder snooker's dying if a facility like that shuts up shop just when many potential customers are alienated by opening times similar to the office they've just left!!!

[jrc750]

Not really meant for normal working people tho is it!

[thommo335]

is snooker dying out in uk?

that's ridiculous if the star academy is only open those hours. ...I imagine lots of dosh would be made if it was open evenings and later in the night ie when most working people would be able to use it! !

[Tony Morgan]

Only big problem with the Star Academy is it's only open 10am-6pm. When most people are working. It caters mainly for the overseas players. I will agree it's a great venue. Just wish it opened in the evenings. Me & my mates go once a month (normally on a Sunday)

[alabadi]

I go to the Sheffield snooker Academy once a week. All the pros have been there at one time or another. And u bump into top amateurs as well.

Prices are not cheap £8 an hour, however if you spend 5 hours it's £30 and 8 hours , i.e all day works out at £5 an hour so u pay £40.

The tables are pristine star tables and the rooms are air conditioned very very nice. I love it. If it weren't for the price id go more often.

[itsnoteasy]

Never been to one of those Alabadi, are they good? What about prices and tables etc.

[alabadi]

Not so much the top end of the sport needs it but the clubs do, I would like to know the average age of people who go into the clubs we all play at, I reckon its in the forties in my club, for snooker anyway, pool there are younger players but not that many.

It depends what clubs you are talking about , if it's your social/ working mans club then the majority or over 40 out club probably has an average age of 50.

But if u go to the dedicated snooker halls and academies which have plenty of tables they usually attract the younger kids. These clubs are usually no drinking no noise, many there are your serious players who will just spend hours practicing in silence . Boring but effective

[itsnoteasy]

i am of the opinion of the guy who mentioned that the sport doesn't need loads of youngsters for it to continue and get in the audiances or it will die.

on the contrary, there will always be those who will take up the game seriously and become a pro, but the majority of us just play for the love of the game.

there are numerous examples of sports that are popular, yet there are very few that get to the opportunities to participate as a pro.

the example given earlier in the post was F1 is hugely popular yet how many young go cart enthusiast are there.

so i think snooker will contuinue to grow and audiances will still keep on watching no matter what

Not so much the top end of the sport needs it but the clubs do, I would like to know the average age of people who go into the clubs we all play at, I reckon its in the forties in my club, for snooker anyway, pool there are younger players but not that many.

[golferson123]

is snooker dying out in uk?

I've been lucky to be involved with three clubs ie worked in them and funnily enough its not the core that keeps them going its the casual players you just need them to come in on different days, and there's nothing more irritating than being told that the table is booked and its just sitting there doing fxxxxxl. then then this geezer comes in and practices for a couple of hours with his parris tea towel and his bottle of water and I could prob spot him 50.

[alabadi]

i am of the opinion of the guy who mentioned that the sport doesn't need loads of youngsters for it to continue and get in the audiances or it will die.

on the contrary, there will always be those who will take up the game seriously and become a pro, but the majority of us just play for the love of the game.

there are numerous examples of sports that are popular, yet there are very few that get to the opportunities to participate as a pro.

the example given earlier in the post was F1 is hugely popular yet how many young go cart enthusiast are there.

so i think snooker will contuinue to grow and audiances will still keep on watching no matter what