Petition launched to allow Cairon Johnson Gridley, 8, to compete in Stowmarket and District Pool League

A petition has been launched to help a young talent in Suffolk play competitive pool at his local pub.

Cairon Johnson Gridley, an eight-year-old pupil at Combs Ford Primary School in Stowmarket, first picked up the sport in November and quickly became passionate about pool, even asking for his own cue for Christmas.

His talent for the game has earned him spots in The Suffolk County Juniors and The Suffolk Men's Blackball County C teams and he has travelled around the country with his dad, Dean Gridley, to compete in Blackpool and Great Yarmouth against much older players.

However, The Stowmarket and District Pool League has denied the youngster to join the local league as players must be at least 14 years old to join – which means Cai cannot play competitively for The Swan pub in Needham Market alongside his father every Tuesday night.

Dean, 33, who is also plays for the Blackball County team, said: “In my books - if you have a talent, then age shouldn’t be a problem.

“I am so immensely proud of him – I might be biased as his dad, but I have never seen anyone play at his level at such a young age. I struggle to put into words how it makes me feel.

“He is fearless, nothing phases him and he has all the makings to be the next big name for the sport.

“Cai has been playing against adults and holding his own which is so impressive for his age.

“He plays for his county, so I just don’t see why he shouldn’t be allowed to play for his local league as well.”

Dean initially believed it was up to each pub to decide if Cai could play or not – a rule he was willing to accept as he understands some pubs do not want children in their premises at night.

However, the league committee voted that the eight-year-old was not able to compete due to his young age and Dean said other reasons included pub licensing issues and exposure to adult humor during games.

In response to this, a petition was launched to gather public support for Cai's participation in the league, in the hope that the league might make an exception.

The Suffolk County Pool Association previously made an exception for Cai which allowed him to compete in the men's team to help develop his potential.

There are still rules in place when he plays at the county’s home venue, The Bears Pool and Snooker Club in Ipswich, as he must leave the venue by 10pm from Monday to Thursday and on Sundays, and by 7pm on Friday and Saturday.

“He handled the news of not being able to play in the local league really well,” the Stowmarket dad said. “I just think we should be encouraging him, not turning him down.

“I would understand if he wasn’t very good at pool or if he was running around and being a nuisance, but he’s not like that when it comes to pool – he just wants to play.

“I’m not trying to cause any problems or make any venues feel uncomfortable or anything, I just want my son to be able to compete as he’s already representing his county.

“Everyone who we have met while playing has been so supportive and have said they would love for Cai to be able to play.”

Professional pool players like Tom Cousins, a two-time world eight-ball champion, and Chris Melling, former world number one, have shown support for Cai's dream.

The petition has garnered more than 200 online signatures and 150 physical signatures, including support from directors of The Ultimate Pool Group which organises events featuring the world’s top players.

Dean compared his son’s talent to being similar to that of Luke Littler who is the current Premier League Darts champion at the age of 17.

He said: “You can’t say Luke Littler didn’t go in the pub with his dad when he was younger and throw some darts – that’s probably one of the reasons he is as good as he is.

“It’s all about practice and it’s all Cai wants to do – and I just want what’s best for my son.”

You can click the following link to sign the petition – https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfw8jBpJR7BqPGB6TfS4rkam4UpRHLlYuCjf_6YdK4CTi8FmQ/viewform?pli=1

The Stowmarket and District Pool League was approached for comment.