My dream of starting my own snooker academy is a step closer now that I’m working.
Riley
Record Breaking Star
Riley’s snooker journey began when he was just six years old. He was captivated watching family friends play on a dining table that doubled as a snooker table.
Too young to play on theirs, his parents bought him a tiny one-foot table of his own, and that’s when something clicked – Riley had found his passion!
Recognising his talent early on, his parents enrolled him in a local snooker club. By the age of seven, he was confidently playing on full-sized tables.
Fast forward to today and 21-year-old Riley isn’t just a player. He’s a record-breaking star. His eyes light up at the mere mention of snooker.
Making History
In 2015, Cuestars spotted his rising talent after he was featured in a local newspaper story and invited him to join their competitive circuit.
Cuestars run grassroots tournaments across 20+ clubs in the South of England, with over 250 registered players.
Since joining, Riley has gone from strength to strength, collecting trophies and titles like few others his age – his best break so far is 113!
And in May 2025, Riley made history; he became the first player to ever win all three Cuestars junior ranking titles.
He topped it off with a gold double win on home ground at Jesters Snooker Club in Swindon.
Tailored to His Potential
Behind every great player is a team of champions and for Riley, the support starts at home.
His mum, Jackie, couldn’t be prouder: “Riley’s a very special young man. Watching him grow in confidence, skill, and belief has been the greatest privilege. I’m so proud to be part of his journey.”
From family to local businesses, Riley’s had a strong network backing his dreams. Save On Tyres, a Southwest based tyre firm, sponsors Riley – making it possible for him to travel and compete at top level events.
He also gives credit to G-Cues, a Havant-based cue maker. Founder Gavin Mengham built Riley a custom 60-inch cue to suit his 6’3” frame – proving that even the tools of the trade are tailored to his potential.
Family and Snooker
So, why is Seetec, writing about a snooker prodigy?
Because Riley isn’t just a rising sports star. He’s also one of many young people facing hidden barriers to work.
Behind his calm confidence at the snooker table lies a young man juggling major responsibilities.
Riley is a dedicated carer for his mum, all while chasing competitive snooker success. His priorities? Family and snooker – everything else needs to fit around that.
Riley’s honourable commitments became his barriers to work.
Everything changed
While Riley had no trouble potting balls under pressure, job interviews were another story.
Talking about his caring duties and snooker commitments felt difficult and, in the past, vague promises of flexibility from employers often fell apart once the job began.
Out of work since January, Riley was referred to the Restart Scheme by his Jobcentre Plus work coach. At first, he was sceptical.
“I thought the Restart Scheme would just stick me in the next job going, without caring about my commitments,” Riley admits.
But then he met Sandra, his Seetec employment adviser and everything changed.
Watch employment adviser, Sandra interview Riley over a game of snooker!
Sink His Barriers to Work
Sandra took time to listen, to truly understand his situation. Together, they built a tailored plan that recognised his unique challenges and strengths.
When Riley mentioned he had an interview coming up, Sandra acted fast, booking him in for a 1:1 session with employability trainer Stephen.
Stephen helped Riley reframe his commitments as strengths, not obstacles – this would prove to be the key to beating his barriers to work.
Being a carer and a competitive snooker player showed discipline, loyalty, and drive. All things employers value – if you explain them well.
And Riley did – what a way to sink his barriers to work!
Armed with this new perspective, Riley presented his commitments in postive light and was delighted when he was offered the job in the hospitality sector.
May’s been a month of wins for Riley, he’s won three ranking titles, the gold double and… he got the job too!
Importance of Employability Support
When asked about what’s next, Riley didn’t hesitate – his dream is to open his own snooker academy.
Having already qualified as one of the UK’s youngest World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association (WPBSA) coaches, Riley is ready to share his passion.
His vision? An inclusive, welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can come together to enjoy snooker and billiards – just like he did as a child.
Riley’s journey is a powerful reminder of how vital employability support is in our communities – we all need that helping hand to get us going.
And we’re not done cheering him on yet. Seetec continues to support Riley with ‘In-Work Support‘, helping him stay on track as he builds his future.
Riley, it’s been an absolute privilege to support you. From all of us at Seetec Swindon – thank you, and good luck. We’ll miss you!
Looking for your own big break? Need to up your interview skills and confidence? Ask your Jobcentre Plus work coach about the Restart Scheme.
