Overview:
"Pool is a sport that is growing in popularity in Uganda, especially among youth. By expanding our calendar of events, we aim to make the sport more accessible to people across the country and uncover new talent." - PAU Chairman Bob Trubish.
Since returning as the Chairman, Pool Association of Uganda (PAU), Bob Trubish for the tenure 2024-2028 has set priorities right.
First things first, Trubish is trying to put the house in order with the first executive meeting held on Tuesday, 6th February 2024 to brainstorm on how to strategize for the Association that has bold ambitions of converting into a federation.
For starters, the PAU executive committee has James Mwere (Vice Chairman), Paul Wasike (General Secretary), Deborah Ibenu (Women Affairs), Pius Akampa (Schools and Institutions), Peter Male (Treasurer), Donald Ampumuza (Technical) and veteran journalist George Katongole as the public relations officer.
During the first public address at Nob View Hotel in Ntinda that was televised live on NBS Sport, Trubish outlined the mission in the new term as to “transform pool” in the country to be able to recruit more players while making it more beneficial for those in the system.
Flanked by the vice chairman Mwere, Trubish hinted about the association’s key priorities and initiatives to promote the growth of pool in Uganda; centering on sponsorships & partnerships, turning in federation, talent management, infrastructure & sustainability, brand building as well as increase on competitions including school championships.
Members of the fourth estate thereafter engaged Trubish and Mwere with the interactive question and answer session.
Here were Trubish’s key focus areas.
Sponsorships:
Pool Association of Uganda’s main focus dwells upon securing sponsorships to support the league, National Open and the National Team.
Currently, PAU partners with Nile Breweries, Next Media and the National Council of Sports (NCS).
“These sponsorships will allow us to improve the quality of our events, increase prize money for players, and better support our National Team at international competitions,” Trubish noted.
Federation development:
PAU’s goal is to become a federation by 2025, overseeing regional pool associations across Uganda.
Activities in 75% of the country are essential to achieve federation status.
“The journey to become a federation covering regional bodies should be implemented with a clear roadmap by 2025. Currently, the constitution is undergoing amendments to align with the new Sports Act 2023,” hinted Trubish.
Talent management:
Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) recognises the need to develop young talent in pool and is taking steps to groom Uganda’s next generation of champions.
The recent success of Kenneth Odong, the U23 champion at the Hawley Cup in South Africa, demonstrates the potential of Uganda’s youth in the sport.
To tap into this potential, PAU is working to introduce pool to universities, following its addition as a sport at the Association of Uganda University Sports (AUUS) Games. PAU also aims to explore opportunities to bring pool to primary and secondary schools to identify and develop young players.
“There is tremendous talent in Uganda’s youth. By fostering interest in pool at an early age through schools and university programs, we can cultivate this talent and support these players as they progress to compete at the highest levels,” said Trubish.
Infrastructure and sustainability:
PAU is committed to developing infrastructure and exploring new revenue streams to ensure the long-term growth of pool in Uganda.
PAU is considering the construction of pool arenas and a dedicated pool house to serve as a headquarters and training centre.
“We want to provide world-class facilities for our players to train, compete and showcase their skills. Permanent infrastructure will raise the profile of pool in Uganda and allow us to host major regional and continental events,” said Trubish.
In addition to facilities, PAU is looking at alternative revenue streams to supplement funding from memberships and event proceeds. Options under consideration include:
- TV broadcasting rights: PAU is already in partnership with Next Media to broadcast events and matches to reach new audiences.
- Renting pool tables: PAU could generate revenue by renting pool tables, cues and other equipment to players and pool halls when not being used for events or training.
- Merchandising: Branded merchandise like t-shirts, and other gear would provide an additional revenue stream while promoting the sport.
“We want to explore any and all options to ensure we have the funding and resources to grow pool in Uganda,” said Trubish. “While we work to finalize plans for facilities, new revenue streams will provide financial stability for PAU and support for our players over the long run.”
Brand building:
Pool Association of Uganda (PAU) recognizes the need to improve promotion of the sport in order to strengthen its brand and public image.
Trubish noted; “Pool is an exciting sport that deserves more attention. Through this campaign, we want to capture the interest of audiences who may not yet appreciate its entertainment value. By raising the sport’s profile, we hope to attract new players, fans, and sponsors.”
The campaign will leverage social media, television, radio, and live events.
Trubish added, “A whole new audience is ready to discover pool if we can reach them. With more fans and players, pool in Uganda will continue to develop and compete on the world stage.”
Increasing pool events:
Pool Association of Uganda’s major target is to expand its calendar with more innovative events targeting national coverage.
These events will include novice championships, talent searches, corporate competitions, and other initiatives to engage the pool community and the public.
“Pool is a sport that is growing in popularity in Uganda, especially among youth,” added Trubish. “By expanding our calendar of events, we aim to make the sport more accessible to people across the country and uncover new talent.”
The expanded PAU calendar will include: women’s day cup, Novice championships, talent search, corporate competitions and school competitions.
