On September 25th 2004, the West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation was born. An official launch day was held at the Victoria Snooker Centre in Plymouth, hosted by WEBSF Patron and six-time world professional snooker champion Ray ReardonMBE.
A not-for-profit community group run by a small band of passionate and dedicated volunteers, the Foundation had a vision to encourage participation in grassroots billiards and snooker, providing opportunities into these wonderful sports for all, regardless of age, ability or location within the West of England.
Despite difficult economic times and trying logistical issues, these goals throughout the past 15 years have been achieved. Maintaining a sustainable model, the organisation is stronger today than it has ever been, as it continues to help those who may otherwise have been unable to realise and develop their potential within the sports.
Coaching, competitions, community. Let’s look back at some of the images from the last 15 years…..
WESBF Patron and six-time world professional snooker champion Ray Reardon MBE hosted the launch day in September 2004 at the Victoria Snooker Centre in Plymouth.
The WEBSF have provided countless community and group coaching sessions in safe venues and environments across the West of England. Priding themselves to facilitate personal improvement through coaching, their unique, bespoke certified assessment scheme allows students to track and evaluate their progress.Structured, tailor-made one-to-one coaching (and ecoaching) sessions have also been in demand. These too have remained accessible and affordable for all.The foundation has already held over 200 tournaments, catering for players of all levels and ages, many of whom were making their first steps into tournament action. The flagship Gold Series has remained a constant throughout the 15 years – featuring several former and future professional players. In total, over 9,500 matches and 55,000 frames have been completed so far. This season, 100% of all entry fees will be awarded out straight away as prize money – nearly £60,000 has been paid out to date since 2004. The WEBSF has helped over 750 different cueists find their competitive edge.In more recent times the invitational Gold Masters Championship has been held for the best performing players from that season’s Gold Series.The WEBSF Ladies Open has been a permanent annual fixture on the tournament calendar, and there is an exciting rebranding of the event on the horizon!Serious about the three-ball sport too, two tournaments per year are hosted – the English Billiards Open and the West of England English Billiards OpenOne of the WEBSF’s most publicised successes has been the rise of established professional player Sam Baird; a two-time World Championship Crucible qualifier. The Silver and Gold Series’ helped aid Baird’s snooker education and development. A platform for gaining new skills, the WEBSF continues to create volunteer opportunities and pathways for a wide range of roles – no experience is necessary and no barriers to personal development can’t be overcome! Passion and volunteering have always been the heartbeat of the Foundation.
The West of England Billiards and Snooker Foundation – Billiards and Snooker for all. Here’s to the next 15 years and beyond!
Congratulations to Andrew Norman in winning the 2018 Pink Ribbon at the South West Snooker Academy. Let’s also pay tribute to some of the WEBSF members; Tyler Rees, Callum Lloyd & Dan Barsley (last 16), Andy Symons & Sam Baird (quarters), and Harvey Chandler (Finalist). Great effort in this very special tournament that continues to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer.
After qualifying from Q School at the first attempt in order to maintain his professional status, Sam’s start to the new season did not go so well.
Can he find the form that took him to 43 in the professional rankings and a narrow defeat against the World number one Mark Selby in the last 16 of the World Championship in 2013. Follow Sam’s progress on his website
The 2017/18 season is one Sam will want to forget. Having slid down the rankings Sam found himself with the unenviable tasks of having to compete in Q School in an attempt to get back on the tour. Q School requires a significant effort in order to qualify even for ‘established’ players. Having to win six, best of seven matches means you cannot afford to take anyone lightly as the result can be brutal.
With no time to feel sorry for himself Sam ‘swallowed his pride’, got back on the baize and after a close opening match against James Silverwood, came through to qualify.
With 2017/18 season now behind him, time to rebuild and climb back up the rankings where he belongs. Well done Sam!!
Bronze Snooker Open Winner – Connor Benzey with Tournament Sponsor 2017-18
Connor Benzey played solid snooker all day on his way to lifting the 2017 WEBSF Bronze Snooker Open title.
To make a complete day of Billiards & Snooker the WEBSF held Coaching Workshops where WEBSF Coaches and special guests; ex-Professional, Manager & Coach Hassan Vaizie and Snooker Professional Sam Baird gave masterclasses in break building and coaching clinics.
If you want several frames of, no handicaps, no messing just good match practice, then this event is for you. Open to any amateur player that can hold a cue. Professional Sam Baird honed his skills on this tour.
Entry is £20.00 (plus £10 membership), pre-payment required by the following methods:
Bank transfer: contact the WEBSF for details (Mobile: Steve 07891940995 or eMail: websf_uk@yahoo.co.uk) or you can PayPal or pingit to: stevecanniford@gmail.com
Please reference name and event 5, notification of entry must be received by 8pm tomorrow to guarantee a place in the tournament. If you require more information or if payment by any of the options above is a problem call Steve and we will sort something out.
Dress Code – Single Coloured Polo Shirt or a Waistcoat (sponsorship logo’s accepted). Smart trousers and Shoes. Strictly NO Jeans, NO Shorts NO Trainers.
Congratulations to 
WEBSF 
