We recently sat down with former World Snooker Tour professional and now WPBSA Level 2 coach, Jamie Curtis Barrett, who’s leading the charge in grassroots snooker with the Grimsby Cue Masters Snooker Academy – proudly supported by Baize Master and Cue + Case.
Jamie’s journey from picking up a cue at age four to coaching the next wave of young players is an inspiring story of passion, perseverance, and giving back to the game he loves.
Here’s what he had to say.
Q: You’ve had a fantastic journey in snooker — from playing professionally to now becoming a WPBSA coach. Can you tell us how it all began and what drew you to the sport in the first place?
Jamie:
It all started when I was about four. My granddad bought me a little snooker table, and every time I went round to his house, I’d be on it. He later took me to our local social club, and from there, I joined the Ray Edmonds Snooker Centre in Grimsby.
Ray was a massive influence on me — he’d been a top amateur and even a world champion at that level. From about ten years old, he took me under his wing, spotted something in me, and pushed me to develop it. I honestly don’t think I’d be where I am now without him and my granddad. They were the two people who made everything possible.
Q: Looking back on your professional playing career, what are some of your standout memories or lessons that have shaped the coach you are today?
Jamie:
Playing on the professional tour really showed me how fine the margins are at the top level. There’s barely anything between world number 128 and the very best like Ronnie O’Sullivan, John Higgins, or Mark Selby — it’s all about consistency.
You learn so much by studying the top pros — their routines, their actions, and their discipline. A lot of players tinker too much, but the ones who stick to a solid routine and trust it are the ones who climb the rankings. That consistency is something I really try to instil in my players now as a coach.
Q: What inspired you to open the Snooker Academy in Grimsby, and what’s your overall vision for it?
Jamie:
Growing up in the ’90s, snooker was huge — it was on TV all the time, and the clubs were buzzing. We didn’t have smartphones or gaming consoles like kids do today. The club was the place to be.
I wanted to give that same experience back to my hometown and create a space where young people can socialise, learn the game, and build confidence. For some, it’s about developing a skill; for others, it’s just having somewhere positive to belong.
Long term, I want to take snooker back into schools — get kids trying it as part of PE or PSHE lessons, teach teamwork through an individual sport, and show them how to handle emotions and focus. I’d also love to see local academies across the country linking up so we can have regional and national competitions again.
Q: As a qualified WPBSA coach, how do you approach coaching players of different abilities — from absolute beginners to more advanced players?
Jamie:
Every player is different. With advanced players, I sit down with them to create a plan — we identify strengths, weaknesses, and how to bridge the gaps.
With younger or newer players, it’s about building foundations: stance, grip, alignment, and understanding the basics. I even run little quizzes in the first session — asking what chalk does, what the rest is used for — just to build that basic knowledge.
And for beginners, it’s also about accessibility. Some of my younger players can barely reach the table, so we adapt. Group sessions work great too — they learn from each other, and it keeps it fun and social.
Q: What kind of atmosphere do you aim to create at the Academy, and how do you keep players motivated to keep improving?
Jamie:
We meet twice a week — Wednesdays and Sundays — and it’s open to absolutely everyone, no matter their background, age, or ability.
It started out as a social thing, but it’s really taken off. A few of our juniors recently represented the Academy in the English Under-21s, which is amazing to see.
I also wanted to make sure cost wasn’t a barrier. Some kids come from families that can’t afford coaching or table time, so I started out doing it voluntarily. Talent shouldn’t depend on your bank balance.
Thanks to Baize Master and Cue + Case, the kids now have proper equipment and cues they can call their own — that’s huge for them. Seeing their faces when they received their new cues was like watching kids open presents on Christmas morning!
We also run little in-house tournaments and give away trophies — some of which are from my own old collection — because it gives them something to play for. It’s not just about winning; it’s about smiling, learning, and feeling part of something.
Q: You’ve recently partnered with us — how did that collaboration come about, and what does it mean for you and the Academy?
Jamie:
That all came about through Stan Moody and his dad, Nigel. When I first got the call from Funky Chalk, I genuinely thought someone was having me on! But visiting your office and meeting the team was brilliant. We were treated like royalty, honestly.
You didn’t know us before, but you still chose to help. The cues, the Baize Master rests — everything you’ve provided has transformed the Academy. Kids now have proper cues that are straight and the right size, and even our disabled and younger players can use the rests comfortably.
It’s made my job easier too — I know they’re using good equipment, which lets us focus on improving technique. We’re proud to wear the Baize Master and Cue + Case logos when we play — it makes the kids feel like true professionals.
Q: You’re helping to grow the game at grassroots level — what changes or improvements would you like to see in snooker coaching and development across the UK?
Jamie:
I’d love to see something like the old World Snooker Scholarship Scheme return. Years ago, players like Ali Carter and Stephen Maguire came through that system. It gave juniors proper support.
Right now, there’s too much financial pressure on young players and their families. World Snooker and the governing bodies could do more — maybe an apprenticeship-style programme across academies. Let juniors train, compete, and learn under experienced coaches.
We’ve seen how countries like China have invested — and now they’ve got a World Champion in Zhao Xintong. In the UK, we’ve got incredible young talent, like Stan Moody, but we need the infrastructure to nurture them.
That’s what I’m trying to build here — a small step, but hopefully part of something bigger that brings snooker back to its roots in the UK.
Q: What advice would you give to young players who dream of going pro or simply want to take their game to the next level?
Jamie:
Dreams are there to be made — but they don’t happen overnight. You’ve got to put in the hours, the effort, and sometimes deal with disappointment. But if you truly want it, and you put your heart and mind into it, you’ll get there.
That’s the message I give to everyone I coach — whether they’re a total beginner or an aspiring pro. You can achieve anything you set your mind to.
Q: Finally, what’s next for you and the Academy — are there any exciting plans, new programmes, or tournaments coming up that we should watch out for?
Jamie:
We’re currently looking at a bigger venue so we can expand. The dream is to host local and national tournaments and run school outreach sessions to get more kids involved.
This weekend, our Academy team’s heading to Nuneaton to compete against another club — that’s a big step for us. And while I’ll be away competing in the World Seniors, I know the team will do us proud.
Long term, it’s all about growing — more players, more venues, more opportunities. And with partners like Baize Master and Cue + Case supporting us, I really believe we can make it happen.
Q: What sets the Grimsby Cue Masters Snooker Academy apart from other academies in the country?
Jamie:
We’re a community. Everyone’s welcome, everyone’s equal. We’ve got kids, adults, beginners, and even players with disabilities — all under one roof.
What really makes us unique is experience. I’ve played against the best in the world — I’ve been there, done it, and now I get to pass that knowledge on.
We’ve got a small but dedicated team running things, parents helping out, and players supporting each other. It’s not just an academy — it’s a family.
Final Thoughts
Jamie Curtis Barrett’s passion for snooker and his mission to rebuild the sport from the grassroots up is infectious. With the backing of Baize Master, Cue + Case, and the wider snooker community, the Grimsby Cue Masters Snooker Academy isn’t just coaching players — it’s shaping futures.
