The game of Snooker is perceived by many people as a game for the “older” generation. Older people do like the game and are among the viewers but young people also enjoy the game. Several young snooker players are trying to educate players and viewers alike that Snooker is for everyone and everyone can play the game and enjoy it.

To help show the world that Snooker is for the younger generation, World Snooker has launched the “Hotshots” Scheme. The program will feature five young players that will help appeal the sport to the younger generation. The World Snooker website has a forum where players can learn more from the “Hotshots” and find more information on the game of snooker.

Three of the players chosen for this program are: Jamie Cope, Michael Georgiou and Daniel Wells. The BBC London received comments from Wells on the new program. “It’s been perceived lately in Britain that old people watch it (snooker) but hopefully we can now get a lot of younger viewers.

Jamie Cope also commented on the subject. Cope said that Snooker is a game for young people but really for all age groups. Both players commented during the launch of the “Hotshots” scheme.

Ivan Hirschowitz, the World Snooker spokesman, stated: "It's a misconception that there's no characters and we still get fantastic viewing figures so snooker is still a very popular sport. People like Daniel, Mark Allen and Mark Selby have got strong personalities. What World Snooker, as a governing body, have to do is promote them more and get their names and faces known on and off the table."

Mark Allen and Mark Selby are the two other players that make up the group that will be promoting the “Hotshots” program.


- 2008-09-10