A 74-year-old former disability snooker champion from Rotherham has taken up the sport again after his care home arranged for him to play at a local inclusive snooker academy. Steven Smith, a resident of Moorgate Lodge, had not picked up a cue since 2012 due to ill health, but staff helped reconnect him with the game after he mentioned missing it, giving him a renewed sense of purpose and sparking his competitive spirit once more.

Smith, who has mild learning difficulties, previously won several trophies competing in disability snooker tournaments across northern England before his career was cut short. He now visits Snooker4All Academy twice a month, adapting his grip to cope with rheumatoid arthritis and even bringing fellow care home residents along to play. The scheme was set up by Lee Hague, who founded the academy to create an inclusive space for players of all abilities, while activities coordinator Annie McStocker first suggested Smith return to the table.