When Football Meets Snooker

I’ve always loved football, being a Liverpool fan for over 30 years. Back in my younger days, I was very active in this sport until my early 40s.

I represented my army unit’s football team and played in a lower-tier division football league for a short term in my 20s. Physicality and stamina were my weaknesses, so I decided to play only leisure football out of love for it.

Last year, I decided it was enough. Somehow, the itch to play street soccer during a company event led to my achilles tendon rupturing. I underwent surgery last September. That was the end of my football action.

I picked up another sport with no physical demands. Pool and snooker have become my weekly games to keep my brain working.

Then, I spotted a very interesting YouTube channel owned by Stephen Hendry, the seven-time snooker world champion. He invited the legends and stars of snooker to his channel to play and give cue tips.

What makes this channel interesting is that he even invited footballers to his channel for a game of snooker. Ex-Chelsea and England’s John Terry, ex-Manchester United Keeper Ben Foster, Aston Villa’s Matty Cash, and Tottenham’s James Maddison.

It’s very cool that these football players have another passion outside of football. Of course, playing snooker against Stephen Hendry, they don’t stand a chance, so Hendry usually gives a handicap of at least 50 points.

The conversation between Hendry and the footballers is like good friends catching up. To my surprise, Ben Foster, Matty Cash, and James actually made a break of more than 50 points in snooker.

It is considered a very good potting rate for an average snooker player. My maximum break is still at 30 points. Haha.

Foster is a lovable guy. He has his own YouTube channel (the cycling GK). Last season, he played for Wrexham AFC and gave whatever he had to help them get promoted.

James Maddison is a down-to-earth guy. He has brought extra sparks to Tottenham since he joined. I noticed him during his time at Leicester. He holds the ball well, can make deadly passes, and can score goals when given the opportunity.

He created his own room with a snooker and pool table, where he plays with Hendry. It is my dream to have such a place where I can invite my friends over to play.

If you have a passion for snooker, Stephen Hendry’s YouTube channel is just right for you. It offers interesting conversations with stars and cue tips to improve your game.

How many sports do you play? I’d like to hear from you.