The Young Players of Distinction

The Young Players of Distinction programme is a new initiative formulated within the WSA School of Excellence. It is a twelve-month programme operating on an annual basis with six new players being selected each year.

The programme is designed to create the consummate snooker professional who is fully prepared for the demands of professional sport.

The six identified players each year are also utilised throughout the programme as a useful marketing tool for the WSA, assisting in the development of snooker's new image.

Final selection of the players was made using strict criteria which provided the opportunity to assess the suitability of players with undoubted potential and included an assessment of the following;

• playing achievements at all levels
• inter-personal skills
• attitude
• professionalism
• commercial potential
• The six selected players chosen for 2001 / 2002 are;
• Alan Burnett
• Ali Carter
• Ryan Day
• Stephen Maguire
• Shaun Murphy
• Ian Preece

The players receive numerous benefits from this award. These include;

• financial support
• career and personal development training
• additional playing opportunities and raised profile / awareness.