Some parents actually stay there during the evening and maybe chat with players too with regards to chess advice if their child is really interested. And gradually if that child's interest in it grows (i.e. the parent knows that he/she likes chess), then some individuals in the chess club are likely to be a bit more trustworthy and most likely parents themselves too. Particularly younger ones, you may find that they turn up at 7.30, and then go home at 9pm for their bedtime. That still leaves at least another hour for 'adult' chess.Jonathan Bryant wrote: Well for a start, who has parental responsibility for your juniors when they attend the club? That’s not a question you have to ask for adults.
As for the second bit of your sentence, I don’t think most clubs - certainly no club I have ever attended - has ever been set up to adequately deal with the demand for junior chess. In my experience it either takes somebody with an enormous amount of free time and interest (which rarely come together) or somebody to do it professionally.
As someone mentioned above with regards to a rota system for helping to integrate the adults, the club could have a rota, or maybe they already have a few enthusiastic individuals willing to spend time with the children.
As for putting a lot of time into it, well, you are already there at the club in your own free time! Is half-an hour of your own time a lot to ask for? Juniors could also play some juniors too, though maybe adult supervision if they are at an early stage may be required with regards to learning moves etc. Gradually, when they are stronger, then you could alternate opponents. So say your club has only got 2 juniors and 2 adults: that's three different opponents. Then after a certain time the juniors go home, and ta-da, you are left with the 2 adults for the rest of the evening to play chess. Does it not get a bit boring if you're playing the same people every time? I know they are your mates but even so you are likely to want some variety.
I appreciate that a potentially boisterous child may not be your ideal opponent, particularly after a long working day for some, but as a club you could lay down some ground rules, or communicate with the parents if this is particularly a problem.
You may have to play some variants of chess for some entertainment. Double-board exchange is always fun every now and then, but as I say, this could be split between different players at a time. Eventually, these juniors will be stronger and more mature, that'll mean that they are actually a half-decent player you can compete with, and integrate them into your club matches!
As for your own club experience, with regards to improving in chess, well you can always work on it too and usually in your own free time, not just at club. Unless you are lucky to have a very strong player, i.e. FM/IM/GM willing to help you out at club you mostly do this as well. Some of these juniors may refresh your memory with regards to trciks and traps, or even interesting ideas of their own!
Most people go to chess club partly because it is an evening out, seeing your mates, having a beer if there is a bar and generally have fun. There will always be some time for that. Approach this with positivity, look at young people in a different light. They are sponges for information. Do you not take pride in teaching somebody and they succeed? After a short while, you will know which ones are more genuinely interested in chess. They may even make the national junior squad.
If you think of juniors as little bundles of fun that you can work with, rather than spoilt little brats, just maybe, your evening will be that bit more enjoyable.
