The first national championship for boys was organised in 1922 by journalist Harry Young, with the financial support of Harry Lee who donated a challenge cup. It was open to any boy under sixteen years residing in the United Kingdom and was played at Burroughes & Watts Hall in London. The first event attracted 37 entries from all over the country. The heats were 250 up, the semifinal's 500 up and the final 1,000 up. The winner was 15 year old Walter Donaldson who would go on to become Professional Snooker Champion after the retirement of Joe Davis in 1947. Following the inaugural contest, the Manchester Guardian reported—
Fred Davis, who died in April this year, was another famous under 16 champion. After a period of intensive coaching from his elder brother Joe, he won the 1929 event at his first and only attempt.