Inspirational Islanders: Noah Gartell, Snooker Player

Practice makes perfect and 12-year-old Noah Gartell knows this to be the case if he is going to achieve his ambition of becoming a pro snooker star.

While he is also a javelin protégé, plays cricket for the Island and enjoys his football, it is snooker that is the Ryde School pupil’s big passion.

He is not shy of taking on adults on the green baize and regularly plays at mainland tournaments thanks to his travel support from Wightlink, and also Wight Gold Coins who help with his tournament fees and overnight accommodation. Noah said: “In order to gain a national ranking I need to compete in all five of the English Partnership for Snooker and Billiard’s Junior Tour so that is my next aim.”

The Gartell family moved to the Island – where Noah’s mum Melanie grew up – when Noah was two and they live near Yarmouth. At school, Noah’s favourite subjects are maths, PE and geography.

“I love sport but snooker is my absolute favourite, I have been playing for over two years and my highest break is 60. I also throw the javelin and this year I was awarded the Ray Scovell Rising Star Award.”

Noah’s favourite places are mostly linked to sports. As well as snooker clubs at Brighstone and Ryde, he also enjoys playing crazy golf, visiting the bowling alley at Ryde with his friends and family and has fond memories of days out at Blackgang Chine.

“When the sun shines, I also enjoy throwing myself off of the obstacles at the Isle of Wight Aqua Park at Tapnell Farm! It’s also my favourite place to eat – the burgers at The Cow are amazing. I would also recommend Fumo in Ryde, this is my favourite Italian restaurant with the best pizzas on the Island.”

Noah’s favourite places for walks are Fort Victoria, Tennyson Down and the Causeway.

Noah is supported through Wightlink in the Community via the Isle of Wight Council’s Talented Athlete Scheme. The scheme is a sponsored discount scheme and has been designed to help gifted sports people reach their full potential, which Wightlink are proud to sponsor.

ℹ️ To learn more about the scheme visit our Wightlink in the Community pages or stay up to date with the latest news at facebook.com/wightlinkinthecommunity.