110sport launch Junior Snooker Academy scheme 110sport, snooker's leading management group, today announced the launch of their Junior Snooker Academy scheme, under the guidance of 110sport's Director of Coaching, Terry Griffiths. The 1979 world champion was on hand in Stirling today with snooker legend and seven times world champion Stephen Hendry MBE, 1997 world champion Ken Doherty, and twice world semi-finalist Joe Swail to endorse the new venture. That illustrious quartet teamed up with their countrymen and stars of the junior game David John (Wales), Steven Bennie (Scotland), Brendan McGuinness (Republic of Ireland) and Mark Allen (Northern Ireland) to promote the Academy. The East Kilbride-based company will finance the setting up of Academies in Scotland, Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. In August last year, 110sport - then known as TSNsnooker.com - sponsored the Welsh Junior Snooker Academy, which had been founded the previous year. Griffiths devised the 'blue-print' for the future of snooker in Wales, and with it the development of the Welsh Academy. Now under Griffiths' stewardship, 110sport are expanding the Academy set-up into the other three Celtic nations. Gerry Sinclair, Managing Director of 110sport, commented: "We have taken the initiative when it comes to promotion and development of the game at grass-roots level. "The model Terry Griffiths put together in Wales, which has worked so successfully, can now be expanded in to other countries. "110sport is keen to be involved in worthwhile projects throughout snooker and we recognise the importance of the Academy concept. "In Terry Griffiths, our Director of Coaching, we have the man who has taken the lead when it comes to developing snooker skills amongst young players, and we are certain that this expansion in to another three countries, will be the first of many." Terry Griffiths added: "Players take up the game at ever-younger ages and it is vital that they have playing opportunities, coaching and training. "I am particularly pleased that 110sport have added their total support to the Academy structure." Celebrating the launch, Stephen Hendry admitted: "It doesn't matter what God-given talents you may have as a snooker player, or a sportsman, everyone has flaws and faults. "There is always a need for good coaching, and the 110sport initiative will guarantee that." 110sport today also announced the launch of their fan club, the 110club, aimed at giving snooker fans the chance to get even closer to the stars of the green baize. 110sport will embark on a series of roadshows and exhibitions over the course of the coming season.