Welcome to our Academy Sports

Come join our cue sports academy and join like-minded juniors learning from some of the best professionals in the pool arena.

SPOTS 8-BALL POOL ACADEMY

Every Saturday morning from 10 am, our Academy Sports juniors come together to learn and develop their 8-ball pool skills.

Players between the ages of 6 and 18 and of all abilities are welcome to join the academy and get the best coaching from our in-house seasoned professionals. 

Receive group mentoring and 1-2-1 advice on all aspects of English 8-Ball pool. We will help develop your game to reach its full potential. The Saturday sessions run for two (2) hours until noon and cost £8 per junior (online advance enrollment ) or £10 if you turn up on the day, which includes all table time, equipment and coaching professionals

English Pool Table

Meet the Academy team

Mason Hollow

Academy Director

Pool has been Mason’s main passion since picked up a cue at the age of 17. He quickly realised he had a certain level of natural talent and played almost every day for the next 2 years, which led to his selection to represent Basingstoke in the Super League.
 
He started playing county for Hampshire in the late 90s before switching to Greater London until 2005, which was followed by a return to Hampshire between 2011 & 2017.
 
“Having played in numerous pool leagues in Basingstoke, Newbury, Reading & Alton, I’ve experienced the very best and worst aspects of playing facilities. As an avid player,  I can relate to the things that players find frustrating. So when asked to get involved, I jumped at the opportunity to help provide the best in class cue Sports facilities, knowing that other players would love it. As a team, we are committed to bringing you, the players, a Cue Sports venue to be proud of.”
Mason Hollow
Dave Fernandez Ultimate Pool
Dave Fernandez

Ultimate Pool Professional – English 8-Ball

Born on May 5, 1985, Dave Fernandez is a respected English pool player with an accomplished career spanning over a decade, including an impressive record of 6 World Team Titles and 8 Euros Team Titles.
 
Dave has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the English pool scene.
 
Career Highlights
  • Home Nations Singles Winner
  • Nations Cup Singles Winner
  • Masters Finalist
  • Euro Finalist
  • World Semi-Finalist
  • 6 x World Team Titles
  • 8 x Euros Team Titles 
As Dave transitions from World Titles to family life, he remains committed to the sport he loves. Now focusing his passion and dedication on fatherhood, coaching, and his success in the Ultimate Pool Scene, Dave continues to inspire and mentor emerging talent.
Michael Hope
Michael Hope

Former English International – English 8-Ball

Michael, a former England player who has won multiple World and European titles representing his country, is now looking to pass on his knowledge of the game.

He has the experience to provide an insight into the game that enables him to teach and provide a tailored coaching style to meet the needs of each individual adult or child.

Our Academy Ethos

Our Academy is all about more than just playing the game, it’s about embracing the spirit of cue sports. We believe in fostering a culture of respect, perseverance, and sportsmanship, where every player, from beginners to pros, feels valued and supported.

We’re committed to creating a space where everyone can grow, learn, and push their limits. Our ethos is grounded in the belief that with the right guidance, encouragement, and a dash of passion, anyone can become a champion.

We stand for teamwork, dedication, and the love of the game, and we’re here to inspire the next generation of players to rise through the ranks and make their mark in the world of pool, snooker, and darts.

English 8 Ball Pool - Z9 Cloth Table

Sports Academy FAQ

You can reserve and book a table online, which we recommend to save you time & guarantee you a minimum hour session of Pool, Snooker or Darts. Simply click Book A Table to get started.

In short, yes we do and it is included in the cost of hiring out a table. Of course, you are always welcome to bring your own cues to use. We also provide chalk and pool balls.

No you don’t need to be a full member of our Pool Club, but you will have to sign in as a guest for the day, which is a small fee. Learn more about our pool club membership.

The most common rules that are played in local leagues and adobted in recent years are called International Rules. They were endorsed in January 2023 by the WEPF, Ultimate Pool, and accepted by the EPA

We use the very best pool table cloths on the market and our choice is the Z9 Billiard Cloth. Produced in Germany under the most modern “Webtechniken” (DIN 9001) quality control.

Yes we can provide, on request the Super Aramith Pro Cup League Pool Balls but please note that availability may vary depending on any competitions, league pool and is at the decretion of the management. Unfortunately, guests can’t be provided with Pro Cup balls.

Back to top: