A pool league's new initiative is helping to shape a new generation of players.

Macclesfield Pool League (MPL) has set up a 'Pool Youth Scheme' designed to get youngsters interested in the game.

Running the programme is Matt Beresford, who is hoping the project will help carry the sport into the future.

The 43-year-old said: "Ultimately, it's about securing the future of the sport in the town and ensuring that pool remains part of Macclesfield's community fabric for many years to come.

"Honestly, I couldn't be more excited! There's a real sense that this is the start of something special — not just for the league, but for the next generation of players who'll carry it forward.

"Seeing the enthusiasm and smiles from the kids at the first sessions has been absolutely brilliant.

"If we can help even a handful of them develop a lifelong passion for the game, then it'll all be worth it."

Matt was inspired to set up the scheme by his son, Harry (Credit: MPL)

Matt, who is the sales director at a local printing company, first got involved with MPL in his early 20s.

He was recently invited to join the committee, giving him the opportunity to help shape the future of the league.

It was his 12-year-old son Harry that gave him the idea to set up the youth scheme.

"He started coming along to my league matches about 18 months ago and immediately took to the game — he's got a real natural flair and love for it," Matt said.

"It also made me realise that apart from Harry and a few others, there were very few youngsters coming through the ranks.

"The average age in the league is now close to 40, and without a new generation coming through, the long-term future of the league could be at risk.

"That's when the idea for the MPL Youth Scheme was born — to create a fun, structured, and welcoming environment for kids to learn, play, and fall in love with the game just like so many of us did."

MPL now host free fortnightly sessions for youngsters aged eight to 16 (Credit: MPL)

Thanks to the support of several local businesses, MPL have now launched free fortnightly sessions at Silktown Snooker Club for children aged eight to 16.

Run by volunteers and experience MPL players, the focus is on making the sessions fun, friendly and inclusive while teaching the fundamentals of the game, sportsmanship and etiquette.

"The goal isn't just to develop future players — it's to give young people a positive, social activity in a safe environment where they can build confidence, concentration, and teamwork skills," Matt said.

"The response has been fantastic — the sessions have been really well attended, and the feedback from parents and kids has been overwhelmingly positive.

"It's been brilliant to see how quickly the children have picked things up, and even more importantly, how much fun they've had doing it.

"There's a real buzz around it already, and we're even planning a Christmas Cup event for the kids later this year to give them something exciting to work towards."

Matt is hoping to set up a MPL Junior League (Credit: MPL)

Speaking of future plans, Matt is hoping to one day set up a fully structured and funded MPL Junior League

He said: "That would give these youngsters a clear pathway to progress — from learning the basics, to playing competitively, and even representing Macclesfield at county or national level if they choose to pursue it."