Alyxandra Jones is heading back to America to defend her world title. Photo / Supplied
Alyxandra Jones is heading back to America to defend her world title. Photo / Supplied
A Hamilton pool club is shining on the international stage as its national junior development squad prepares to head to the United States.
Among the players is Alyxandra Jones, 13, who is one of the major success stories for Massé Pool club. A student at Waikato Diocesan, she took out the youth division title at the VNEA World Pool Championships in Pennsylvania last year, after only playing pool for a year.
In total, she took home three of the New Zealand team's 11 trophies; first place in the under 14s females 8-ball singles, second place in the under 14s team championships, and third place in under 14s Scotch doubles championships.
This year she is defending her world title after being named as part of the 15 Kiwi junior pool players that will travel to the US to compete against the world's best at the VNEA International Junior Pool Championships in June.
Massé chair Dene O'Kane says the competition among the juniors is tough but the team is ready for it.
"We've come a long way from when we first started when we named a team and then headed straight to the States to compete, simply relying on the raw talent of the players," O'Kane said.
Massé wants to bring popularity to a sport that is pushed aside for rugby and cricket at school.
The club was set up by a group of players who loved to play snooker and pool, over the years the one club in Hamilton has grown to four additional branches in Glen Eden, New Lynn, Pukekohe and Hawera.
Last week on Wednesday and Friday, the club launched its annual junior pool holiday programme which saw a strong turnout on both days.
The pool tables are arcade American themed which are better suited for juniors. Photo / Facebook
The programme is free and allows juniors to try their hand at a sport that may not be advertised in a normal school programme and spend some time with with the club's coaches.
Bernie Endres, the club's general manager said pool is a sport anyone can take up and the club is open to accepting most ages.
"I think our youngest one is about seven, once they are sort of old enough to see over the table and hold a cue properly then we allow them," Mr Endres said.
"We are now looking at talking to schools and getting involved with them, it is not that expensive unless you buy a good looking pool cue, but they all do the same thing anyway."
Miguel Raman, a competitor and coach at the club said the programme is good for children looking to get involved with others around their age.
"We get a good turnout and they are all having fun," Raman said.
"It's a good place for them to meet new friends and try something they haven't tried before and it is free so parents do not have to worry about the cost."
Ashika Clarke, communications advisor for Massé Pool Club, said the club hopes that the programme will encourage more people to sign up and take part in the leagues and tournaments.
Junior members can head over to the US each year, depending on behaviour and their standings in the league.
