WPBSA Player Support Programme Staged in Lilleshall

The World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPSBA) staged its annual Player Support Programme in Lilleshall, England earlier this week.

Organised by WPBSA Players, with support from the Professional Players Federation and in association with Taom Billiards, the event was held across two days on 28-29 July at the Lilleshall National Sport Centre.

The Player Support Programme aims to educate new and returning players to the World Snooker Tour (WST) on a range of issues of personal and professional development.

The event brought together 23 members of the ‘Class of 2026’, with expert speakers giving talks on a wide range of topics including integrity, mental health and wellbeing, lifestyle, financial management, media training and more.

A full list of topics and speakers can be seen below:

• Life On Tour: Neil Tomkins (WPBSA Players)
• Betting On Sport: Dave Jones (WPBSA)
• Lifestyle & Performance: Lloyd Ashley (Welsh Rugby Players Association)
• Social Media & Player/Online Abuse: Matt Himsworth & Celia Quansah (B5 Consultancy)
• Playing Conditions: Chris Barnes & Josh Perrin (WST)
• Integrity & Conduct Regulations: Dave Jones (WPBSA)
• Mental Health & Wellbeing: Alex Mills & Ellie Grover (Sporting Chance)
• Financial Management: Neil Carroll (Azets)
• Branding & Merchandise Opportunities: Tony Sheridan (WPBSA Players – Merch Group)
• WST Commerical Partnerships: Helen Bowden (WST Commercial)
• Media & Communications: Sean Fay (WST Media)

Neil Tomkins, COO of WPBSA Players, said: “Education and training are essential for long‑term career development and player welfare. Our job is to ensure every player has the knowledge and support to thrive on and off the table.”

Mark Davis, WPBSA Players Chairman and former WST professional, added: “Training like this is vital. The game evolves, and staying informed is key to success at every stage of a player’s career.”

OnYee Ng, former World Women’s Snooker champion, said: “The sessions covered a wide range of topics that were incredibly insightful. It really gave me a better idea of what it means to be a professional player beyond just competing on the table.”

Ashley Hugill, who is returning to the WST after qualifying via WPBSA Q Tour, said: “Having last attended a tour induction in 2017, I can see how far the WPBSA has come over the last decade in terms of support and information for their players. I think these events are invaluable for young players coming through and for all players. It is an opportunity to learn new ideas and keep up to date the with the support that is available.”

Craig Steadman, who also earned a return to the WST at the WPBSA Q Tour Play-Offs, said: “It has been a great few days which help to understand how life on tour can work both on and off the table. The guest speakers were fantastic, and it was a very informative few days covering a wide variety of topics.”

WPBSA Players would like to thank Taom Billiards for their continued support and the staff at Lilleshall National Sports Centre for their outstanding support. We wish all members of the ‘Class of 2026’ the very best for the season ahead.