Tuesday, 23 September 2025 / Published in Club News, Coaching

SBI hold European Week of Sport Developmental Day

As part of the 2025 European Week of Sport, Snooker & Billiards Ireland held a free Junior Snooker & Billiards Developmental Day in the SBI HQ Academy of Excellence in Carlow on Saturday the 20th of September.

SBI hold Developmental days to introduce and encourage more juniors to play our beautiful sports. National Coach PJ Nolan and fellow SBI Coache Aidan Murray attended to assist the players.

SBI used 8 full size snooker tables for the more experienced players plus our mini star tables in the Academy were used to help introduce new younger people to the game. The players were shown how to have some fun, and learn some of the skills of the game.

Practice Drills

All players practiced specific routines with Aiming, Break Building, Potting and Safety. A mini tournament plus potting and control event will also be held during the day. We really hope all the players had a great time with the coaches.

A Sport for Everyone

SBI would like to thank all the clubs who are currently holding junior coaching to promote the game in their regions. This is the only way to help us grow our game around the clubs. SBI will be holding another free development day on Saturday October the 25th with our National Coach PJ Nolan and his team.

Training Aids

The latest training aids were used on the day like the Mini Domin Eye, QLine, Blade Mat, Master Doctor, Str8aim G-5 & SA-2, Chris Henry Balls and the EBSA Coaching Balls to help players to get on the line of aim and develop a smoother stroke in their delivery.

SBI Coaches Invited

All current SBI Qualified Coaches who are Garda vetted were invited to attend the day. The players learnt about the Stance, Grip, Cue Action, Cue Ball Control and Basic Potting Skills. The game of Billiards will also introduced to the players.

Developing Fundamentals

The day began with the players playing some basic shots. PJ and the coaches will give some tips and advice to all the players. Next the players will be coached in developing a good Approach, Stance and striking the middle of the cue ball.

All the players will received a medal and a training booklet with practice drills and coaching advice plus we have a trophy for the winner in each event.

All SBI Members

SBI would like to thank all our members who informed their children/ friends/ members to attend this promotion day and help us grow the game in Ireland.