Snooker champ rediscovers love for game at 74

A former disability snooker champion has been able to rediscover his love for the game at the age of 74 with help from his care home and a community group.

When Steven Smith, from Rotherham, mentioned to staff at Moorgate Lodge that he would love to watch snooker again, they approached nearby Snooker4All Academy to see if they could help him play at their tables.

Despite having to adapt his grip because of rheumatoid arthritis in his hands, Smith, who thought he would "never play again", now visits the snooker hall twice monthly and even brings other residents along for a frame.

Smith admitted it "was a bit hard" initially but he was "very happy" to be back at the baize.

Former gardener Smith was brought up in the Parkgate area of Rotherham. His mild learning difficulties meant he was previously eligible to play in disability snooker tournaments, winning several trophies across the north of England.

Ill health cut short his snooker career, however, and he "hasn't picked up a cue" since 2012.

It was Annie McStocker, the activities coordinator at Moorgate Care Village, who first suggested a return to the snooker hall.

"I was chatting to Steve and I know he's big into snooker and I knew he would be a bit hesitant at first, but as soon as he came into the room and he saw the tables he wanted to get back.

"He's always loved a wisecrack and a joke anyway but it's been amazing to see his competitive side come out again. It's great."

Lee Hague, the founder of Snooker4All, said he wanted to establish an inclusive snooker hall where "everybody" could play the game.

"I've got autism and I've always found it very difficult to hold down a job, but instead of just festering away at home, I needed a hope and a purpose and the main thing for me was just being able to give something back to the community that I'm from."

Hague, who has affectionately given Smith the nickname of The Zimmer for his use of a walking frame as he moves around the table, said the care home resident's "temperament" was an indicator of his past success in the game.

"Our academy motto is to be kind, to be humble, to be the best that you can be and Steven really does tick all those boxes."

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