STAN MOODY’s first time Crucible appearance will inspire the younger generations of the sport to go as far as they can and know that there is no limit to their aspirations when it comes to reaching their full potential.

Regardless of whether you want to be a ranking title winner, or an amateur tournament winner, the appearance on snooker’s centre-stage will have set a signal that for those who want it badly enough in the sport, at such a young age, hard and smart work and the right coaching and training will get you far in there.

But, and, there is always a but. I have said this before, but I will say it again, the problem with snooker in the UK is that the mindset is different to that of China and Asias.

The problem also lies with the fact that in the UK, particularly in the south, there are not that many “big” clubs and a lot of the clubs are social clubs that do not cater for the kinds of players who want to go on and be serious.

If you’ve got a club that only has two/three tables in it, then, you’re not going to be able to do practice routines and all the kinds of stuff that you can do at a club with say, 15 – 20 tables.

However, playing frames with as many people as you can is, in my opinion the best way to learn snooker on the go.

In fact, that is some of the best “education” you can get in the game.

That’s not to say that there isn’t talent out there of all ages, but, the lack of clubs, and the lack of facilities means that there’s not much chance of seeing talent through.

Add to the mix, a multitude of other sports that are available to youngsters now, and, snooker has it tough in a competitive sports world alongside technology and other pursuits.

That’s the sad truth of the game in the UK. It’s a harsh truth and I know because I have experienced it in a number of different venues.

Let’s just say, the way I was treated at another venue before I went to Oxshott was a disgrace to amateur snooker, – but I won’t dwell on it. That’s history. But, some things might be forgiven, but not forgotten. I won’t forget how I was treated. If you want to know why I am so annoyed about it, go and read my about page and then DM me.

True sports people would apologise sincerely, but I don’t ever believe that will happen.

They all know who they are, and they all know what they did.

SnookerZone’s Chris Gaynor, a league champion for 2024/25 and is into the semi-finals of a Doubles tournament at Oxshott, would like to offer his sincere congratulations to Stan Moody and his coach Neil Johnson and time is on Stan’s side when it comes to making and progressing in the game and who knows, next year, Stan will be in the next round at The Crucible. Every step is growth, and every frame, match, is a learning experience, regardless of what level you’re at.

One of my favourite songs – and it symbolises the essence of not giving up and keeping going…