New Partnership to Expand Pool-Billiard in School Sport
Jun. 25, Lausanne, Switzerland – During the ISF World School Basketball Championship 2026, ISFand the World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding, marking the beginning of a new partnership aimed at exploring opportunities for the development of cue sports within the international school sport community.
The signing ceremony brought together representatives of both organisations. ISF was represented by Vice President Youssef Belqasmi, along with ISF’s Sport Director Marko Petrič and Event Director Uroš Savić. The WPA delegation included President Ishaun Singh, WPA’s Sports Director and Youth Director Olav Skrudland. Mr. Belqasmi signed the agreement on behalf of ISF President Željko Tanasković.
The MoU establishes a framework for future cooperation in areas including sport development, educational activities, and the promotion of cue sports among school-age students. It also opens the way for dialogue on the potential inclusion of WPA disciplines within future ISF events and educational initiatives.
During the meeting, Mr. Belqasmi reaffirmed ISF's confidence in the new partnership and underlined the Federation's commitment to working closely with International Federations to broaden sporting opportunities for young people around the world.
He noted that ISF's flagship multi-sport event, the ISF Gymnasiade, together with the Federation's future School Sport Festival initiatives currently under development, could provide valuable platforms for introducing new sports to school communities and encouraging wider youth participation.
Representatives of the World Pool-Billiard Association welcomed the partnership and shared their vision for future collaboration with ISF. Pool billiards is more than just a sport – it is also a valuable educational tool that can support learning in subjects such as mathematics while providing teachers with new and engaging ways to enhance classroom activities. As an inclusive and highly accessible sport that does not primarily depend on physical ability, it offers opportunities for children and young people of all backgrounds to participate and succeed.
The World Pool-Billiard Association (WPA) already has a strong commitment to youth development and now aims to expand its reach through school sport initiatives. By partnering with the International School Sport Federation (ISF), the WPA seeks to add value to ISF’s diverse sports portfolio and enable more students to discover the unique educational and social benefits of pool billiards.
As implementation of the agreement moves forward, both organisations will explore practical opportunities for collaboration through educational programmes, future ISF events, and initiatives designed to inspire the next generation of student-athletes.
About WPA
The World Pool Association (WPA) is the international governing body for pool (pocket billiards), dedicated to promoting and regulating the sport of pool worldwide.
Formed in 1987, the WPA is headed by a board of directors consisting of representatives from Australia, Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and South America with a commitment to fostering fair play, sportsmanship, and excellence for all pool players. The WPA is a founding member of the World Confederation of Billiards Sports (WCBS), which is the International Federation recognised by the IOC for billiards sports and accordingly covers all major cue sports.
