Mark Allen reveals trials for professional football before choosing snooker

Mark Allen, the snooker star, has revealed an interesting tidbit about his past – he had trials to become a professional footballer before ultimately choosing snooker as his career path. The Northern Irishman disclosed in an interview that he had trials at prestigious clubs such as Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday before deciding to pursue snooker.

During an appearance on TalkSPORT’s Sunday edition, Allen shared insights into his football aspirations, stating, “I had trials for a few teams but I’ll never say I was ever going to make it. I love my football and did okay at the time.” Despite his love for the sport, Allen acknowledged the challenges of making it as a professional footballer from Northern Ireland.

Reflecting on his decision to pursue snooker over football, Allen credited his father for introducing him to the game. He recalled how he quickly took to snooker at a young age and eventually had to choose between football and snooker. Despite being a talented footballer, Allen ultimately opted for snooker, a decision that has proven to be successful for him.

Looking ahead to the World Championships, Allen expressed confidence in his chances, stating, “I definitely feel I’ll be there or thereabouts.” With a strong belief in his abilities, Allen is determined to make an impact at the upcoming tournament.

As fans eagerly anticipate Allen’s performance on the snooker table, his revelation about his football trials adds an intriguing layer to his journey towards becoming a top snooker player. It serves as a reminder of the paths not taken and the pivotal decisions that shape a career in sports.