11/03/2010

Since the BBC documentary shown during the 2009 World Championships the charity’s profile increased and requests from other areas were received to support them to ‘get kids off the streets’.

Whilst established in the Accrington area through the NLTG/YNOT Snooker Youth Club, the trustees and Chris Lovell, supported by NLTG, were keen to spread the message throughout the UK.

 

Chris Lovell expanded his concept of snooker activities and games set at a furious pace to music and developed a 10 or 15 week training programme for other areas. Chris then, together with other members of the team, would visit new areas and train designated people in the concept as well as developing localised partnerships with the police, councils etc. whilst exploring possible funding streams.

 

We now currently deliver weekly in the following areas: Accrington, Padiham, Darlaston, West Midlands, Great Harwood, Sheffield, Blackpool and Lancaster.

 

Weekly numbers exceed over 500. The concept is proving very powerful and I suggest under rated until seen. The use of six foot snooker tables in community centres has proved extremely effective on attacking anti social behaviour at its very heart.

 

This year we have fully implemented Functional Skills i.e. English, Maths and ICT into the programme where required during events at the Accrington Academy.

During one day of snooker activities the renowned artist, Tom Walker, joined us and took a group of novice 13 year old students and within 4 hours they had produced pastel drawings based on concepts of snooker.

 

In November we organised a trip where over 70 youngsters visited the UK Championships at Telford from all areas and were treated to back stage tours and a chance to meet Steve Davis. Steve’s support and that of Shaun Murphy have been invaluable, both as role models and figure heads for the youngsters but as support for the delivery teams.

Snooker can live comfortably alongside the challenges of computer games, either in an environment of a snooker club or an educational or community establishment. The potential to the game as a whole with youngsters under 18 and above is immense.

Our level of performance demonstrates that we can attract high levels of youngsters into any type of venue within a short space of time i.e. 40/50.

 

We would welcome the opportunity to showcase our projects to you.

 

For further information contact chris.lovell@nltg.co.uk