The Cannon Club will host the academy run by Selby's friend and former coach Alan Perkins, who is aiming to develop the nation's top junior talent.

One of the academy's first scholarships has been awarded to nine-year-old Harborough boy Lloyd Walden – son of club owner Ian Walden.

Mr Walden said he first noticed his son's talent on a trip to a bowling alley when he was six years old.

"Lloyd just wanted to play a game of pool," he said.

"He'd never even picked up a cue before, but he just started potting balls. So then I brought him down to the snooker club and was told to keep an eye on him because he has a real talent."

Snooker-mad Lloyd has gone on to record a break of 69 and has this year played frames against Selby and even took an exhibition frame off Jimmy White during the snooker legend's recent visit to the club.

His skills were spotted by Perkins, widely regarded as one of the top junior development coaches in the game, during a competition at Willie Thorne's snooker club in Leicester.

Mr Walden said: "Alan came over and asked how long he'd been playing, then asked if he'd be interested in applying for the academy.

"He came over to the club and Lloyd was picked for one of the four scholarships."

Now Lloyd will receive 12 months of coaching from Perkins starting this month, and Selby has also promised to visit the club when he can to help with the young players' development.

Lloyd said: "I'm excited. I can't wait to start."

Perkins is also offering coaching sessions at the club – phone 01858 410011 for more details.