Snooker Faces Challenges in the UK, but Remains Resilient
The sport of snooker has undoubtedly experienced a decline in popularity in the UK since its peak in the 1980s and 1990s. According to a report by the BBC, the sport faces numerous challenges, including improved access to other sports, a rise in leisure activities such as gaming, and a decrease in the number of snooker halls across the country. However, despite these challenges, those working in the sport remain optimistic about its future.
"It’s definitely not a dying sport; it’s just different," insists Anne Totten of Scottish Snooker, as quoted in the BBC article. Totten, whose son Chris lost in the World Championship qualifiers this year, volunteers with the governing body working to grow the sport. She points to the loss of cigarette sponsors and the Covid pandemic as significant factors in the sport’s decline, with the closure of clubs during lockdown having a devastating impact.
Rising costs and the lack of core funding have also taken their toll on the sport. As Totten notes, "A few years ago, our academies were performing really well. Our numbers had increased immensely, it was growing and on the up, but then Covid [hit]." The pandemic resulted in 18 months of lost progress, during which time young people found alternative activities to engage in. However, despite these setbacks, Totten remains positive about the sport’s prospects, citing the growth of new tours for the over-55s and women, as well as players from diverse backgrounds.
In Scotland, approximately 40 or 50 kids are attending junior academies, with between 10 and 20 young players competing on tours from under 14s to under 21s. Some of these players are even competing across age groups, demonstrating the talent and dedication that exists within the sport. However, as snooker continues to evolve into a more global sport, the level of competition has become increasingly fierce. China, with a population of around 1.4 billion, is at the forefront of the game, with six players making it to the last 16 of this year’s World Championship in Sheffield.
As reported by the BBC, Totten believes that there is undoubtedly talent in Scotland, but the level of competition makes it increasingly hard for young players to break through on the world stage. "I think sometimes it’s overlooked that there is a number of young people coming through in what is really, really fierce competition," she said, citing the likes of Dean Young, Liam Graham, Ross Muir, and Scott Donaldson. "Conditions are incredibly difficult for young people. Although the opportunities are there, those opportunities are there across the globe and everyone’s competing for a small number of spaces."
The BBC article notes that it remains to be seen whether any of these spaces on the professional circuit will be taken by a young Scot, or whether John Higgins will continue to be the standard bearer for the country. Nevertheless, as Totten and others working in the sport continue to strive for growth and development, there is a sense of optimism that snooker will remain a resilient and thriving sport, both in Scotland and globally. As the BBC reports, the sport is pushing to become more global, and with the right support and investment, it is likely that snooker will continue to attract new fans and talent in the years to come.
The challenges facing snooker in the UK are undoubtedly significant, but as Anne Totten of Scottish Snooker so eloquently puts it, "it’s definitely not a dying sport; it’s just different." With the right approach and a bit of luck, snooker may yet experience a resurgence in popularity, both in the UK and around the world. Only time will tell, but for now, the sport remains an important and enjoyable part of the sporting landscape.
Source: BBC Sport
