Ronnie and the future stars of snooker

(Posted: 17 Jan 2011)

We've teamed up with green baize legend Ronnie O’Sullivan to find the future star of snooker.

Ronnie and Rileys believe we can find the next ‘Rocket’ through a series of 'Future Stars' competitions nationwide for under-16s, which will be starting 27th March.

Regional events will produce 120 winners, who then go head-to-head at regional venues until 8 players are left standing.

The 8 will attend a 'boot camp' in Sheffield during the World Championships where they will be coached by top players in the game.

They will then be put through their paces in a series of skills tests and interviews with Ronnie, who will then choose his winner – and start the process of turning him into a snooker superstar!

Along with this top coaching and mentoring by Ronnie, Rileys will provide the winner with a financial package worth £5,000 to support his snooker dreams.

Ronnie said: “Firstly, this youngster will have to love the game. Then, he or she will need pots of talents. And probably most important of all, the desire to go all the way.

“The winner will work on cue skills and strategies with me, and I will do everything I can to help.

Rileys CEO Maurice Kelly said: “One of the reasons for signing Ronnie O’Sullivan as our Snooker Ambassador was because he impressed us with his determination to put something back into the game."

“Rileys are only too pleased to help make this Search for a new ‘Rocket’ Ronnie a reality.”

Chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association Barry Hearn said: “This is exactly what snooker requires. A top player like Ronnie O’Sullivan getting involved at the grassroots of the game."

“What a fantastic opportunity for the youngster who comes out on top and gets Ronnie as his mentor and trainer."

“The WPBSA is right behind this. I will be watching the players’ progress all the way."

To get yourself signed up, visit the Future Stars of Snooker page.