Gary Wilson visited Hempland Primary School in York last week to meet children, help them to learn about snooker and teach them skills on a half-size table.
The world number ten took time out from his preparations for the Victorian Plumbing UK Championship to visit the school which is just a few miles form the York Barbican.
He was introduced into the assembly hall by MC Rob Walker, and giving a rousing reception by over 60 children in Year Six. Wilson answered questions about his career and life as a snooker player, before giving a demonstration on the small Star table. The three-time ranking event winner then showed the children the basics of technique as each one tried to pot the blue to a centre pocket.
"It's so important to get the next generation into snooker," said Wilson. "I remember being their age and I already knew exactly what I wanted to do because I had played snooker. I hope a few of them will go back to their mum and dad and say they played snooker in school and they want to go and have another go on a full size table. Some of them seemed to know exactly what they were doing with their technique. When I was their age, my coach Stan James spotted me and spoke to my dad and said I had talent. He always pushed me after that. So it's important for young players to find the right coach. Hopefully some of the children I met today will cheer me on next time they see me on TV."
