FAQs

When and where?

Academy sessions are held each Saturday morning from 9.30am to 12 noon in the snooker hall at Mill Brow Snooker and Social Club, Mill Brow, Widnes WA8 6RT.

The Academy has exclusive use of the club during this period, so we can provide safeguarding for the members of the Academy whilst they attend.

We run the Academy all year round (including through school holiday periods), apart from a couple of weeks off over the Christmas period, or on the rare occasion when the club is hosting a competition or other event on a Saturday morning.

Who runs the Academy?

The Academy sessions are run by volunteer coaches, who are qualified to Level 1 of the WPBSA (World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association) Coaching Programme. Our coaches have become involved as a result of their own children attending the Academy or previously being members themselves.

All our coaches have been Enhanced DBS checked with a Children’s Barred List check. Normally at least two coaches are present at each Academy Session.

What do you do at the Academy?

Some people might be intimidated by us being called an “Academy” and think that the sessions are very serious, silent, and technical. That couldn’t be further from the truth, and also sounds a bit boring to us!

Our main objective is for members to enjoy their time at the Academy and have fun! We have a range of abilities and motivations for members who attend, and we help to develop your snooker skills at the pace you feel comfortable with.

We mix one-to-one coaching, with handicapped mini-tournaments and snooker-themed games, which we encourage everyone to get involved in. Occasionally we have a “masterclass” provided by an external coach, and we’re hoping to be able to attend some snooker events and other Academies in the future.

Do I have to come every week?

No. Although it would be great if you did, as that probably means you’re having a good time! Unlike some clubs where you pay for a “block” of sessions, and pay whether you turn up or not, you just pay on the day for each Academy session you attend.

If you’re going to be away for a while, want to take a break, or stop altogether, it would be great if you could let us know - just so we can manage the limited numbers of tables and spaces we have available. We do ask everyone to renew their membership each year to take part in voting and update their details.

Do parents and guardians need to stay with their children?

It’s entirely up to the parent/guardian and child. Most attend the first couple of sessions, which allows them to get to know us, and vice versa, so we encourage that. However, we’re happy for members of all ages to be supervised by us during the session, while the parent/guardian takes some time out for themselves (we are only a short distance from Widnes town centre, the market, and retail park).

We also understand that some parents/guardians or family members might want to drop in to see their child or young adult show off their new skills, but we’d ask that this is limited to a maximum of two people, and with the agreement of an Academy coach. This allows us to maintain a safeguarded environment.

How do you track and reward progress?

We use the WPBSA “white to black” coaching programme, which is a structured curriculum developing skills and knowledge, and understanding in the game of snooker. Each ball colour stage represents an increased level of skill and knowledge which is assessed by our coaches. Members progress at their own pace, and are presented with a certificate on completion of each level.

We also hold mini-tournaments and other competitions within the Academy where members can play for medals and trophies. We use handicapping or grouping so that everyone has the chance to succeed, participate, and gain experience in match play.

How much does it cost?

There is no cost for membership, but subscriptions are £6 per session per member. Subs are collected during each session, and can be paid in cash, or as a bank transfer to the Academy bank account.

How are the subscription payments used?

We are a not-for-profit organisation, run by volunteer coaches and committee members. All subscriptions and other payments are deposited into a Virgin Money “club & society” current account in the Academy’s name. Each member of the management committee is an authorised signatory on the account, and records of income and expenditure are retained by the Treasurer.

Our main regular outgoing is for the hire of the room where the Academy is held. Other payments include those for playing and coaching equipment, coaching qualifications, public liability insurance, this website, and other small sundry expenses.

What other financial support do you receive?

The Academy receives no funding from the WPBSA or governing/sporting body, but we were successful in applying for, and receiving two small grants from Halton Borough Council of around £2,500 in early 2025. These one-off grants were awarded to help to grow and develop the Academy and awareness of it within the local area, and we hope to share plans of how this is being implemented later in the year.

The Academy has for a long time received support and donations from Keith Lucas MBE, our current Chairman. Keith’s ongoing kind and generous contribution currently meets the costs of food and drinks provided to members each Saturday.

How is the Academy governed?

The Academy is set up as an “unincorporated association” which means we are a club bound by a written constitution, rather than a company or registered charity. There is no minimum age to become a member of the Academy, and all members are able to vote on important decisions that might need to be made. However, a management committee of three volunteers are responsible for the day-to-day governance and administration of the Academy.

Do you offer extra sessions and one-to-one coaching?

At the moment, the Academy runs once a week on a Saturday morning. The coaches run the sessions, spend time organising activities, coach in groups, and where possible, spending time meeting individual coaching needs.

For members (and non-members) wanting to have a more in-depth one to one coaching format delivered by a highly experienced, qualified coach, we recommend contacting Stephen Llewellyn who is Mill Brow’s resident full-time coach.

Stephen is a Level 2 WPBSA coach, fully DBS checked, and has developed pupils who are now playing at a high level of national and international competition in junior, youth, and disability snooker. Coaching sessions take place on the match tables at Mill Brow and can be arranged directly through Stephen by contacting him on 07734 148575 or through the Supporters page. Members of the Academy also benefit from preferential rates.