ESSEX BLADES POOL

Joining the Pool Club is one of the best decisions you'll make at Essex . We are a welcoming and friendly group of people that, whilst competing in many serious competitions throughout the year, tend to spend sessions having a bit of a laugh. This year is going to be the best yet with a committee focussed on ensuring we have as many socials as possible, alcoholic and non-alcoholic. 

There are lots of exciting opportunities on and off the table as we look to increase our presence at tournaments and build on great success this year and engage in volunteering and fundraising in an around campus. If you're new to the game, never fear: we are welcoming players of all abilities and many of our best players started off as total beginners. If you want to improve your game we will be opening a coaching programme from the most experienced players in the club throughout the year for you to learn the finer arts of the game from. If you want to be part of a successful year in and out of competition, the Pool Club is the best place for you!

If you have any questions whatsoever, feel free to email our President at lwatso@essex.ac.uk!

Alternatively you can follow us on Twitter @EssexBladesPool or join our Facebook page!

PRACTISE

We are located in BASE, where we hold regular practise sessions. Outside of practise times many members can be found practising to further improve their game. 

Practise times are as follows: Mondays and Tuesdays 6-8pm

                                                   Wednesdays 2-6pm

If you can't make any of these times we also offer a 'Just Play' session on Thursdays from 6-7pm for anyone on campus to come and enjoy no matter their skill level. There will always be a few commitee members there for you to ask about the club and you get a free hour of pool to relax.

Additionally, we also go to an external venue in Elmstead Market (a ten minute bus journey from campus). The best players in our club test our ability against the best players in the county, many of whom have played either professionally or at national level. For those of you looking to compete, this is a great idea!

Many freshers who enjoy the game but have never played seriously tell us they are not very good when they start out. Don't worry! Everyone has to start somewhere and we are very experienced at helping beginners become competent players very quickly!

COMPETITIONS

We compete in a variety of tournaments, four or five throughout the year. Nationals is the big one, with over 500 players in attendance! Essex 1sts recently got Bronze medals in the team event, the first time Essex has achieved a medal since 2010! The 2016-2017 year has been an incredibly succesful one, with Charlie Jackson winning the Men's Individual Shield at the East of England Championships, Tim Galler getting a Silver medal in the South of England Championships, Rishi Luchmun getting into the top 16 at Nationals (the best Essex has EVER gotten) and the aforementioned First Team success in the team event! 

SOCIALS

Aside from practising together three times a week, we also go to nights out on campus such as Milk It!, the SU Bar Quiz as well as nights out off campus to Laser Tag, bowling and Jump Street (a place where you can throw balls at each other whilst on a trampoline) and our traditional Christmas Meal. Pool Club are as focussed on winning at tournaments as we are at having a good time!

NEW TO THE CLUB?

Whether a fresher or not, if you're new to the club you can always look out for any of the committee members to answer any of your questions about the way the club runs. Don't hesitate to ask!

Liam Watson            Jordan O'Sullivan     Ben Smith             Ben Fenwick            Taylor Barnes
President                 Vice President          Treasurer              Secretary                 Just Play Officer

Stefan Lee             Tim Galler                 Ronnie Bowyer          Matt Evans
Social Secretary    Fundraising Officer   Volunteering Officer   Talent Development Officer