English Chess Forum

"Chess for Schools" is well on its way, and seems to be running well. What would you do if you had enough chess sets for all the schools in your area? (don't worry read the "free chess sets for schools" thread as most of this is sorted, we just want ideas).

This is hyperthetical (can't spell) so how would you handle it?

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

it's "hypo".

Re: your question, I'd go and teach the kids to play - if it was worth my while

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Hatch End A Captain (Hillingdon League)
Harrow 2 Captain (Middlesex League)

That maybe coming through too, watch this space.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

I wouldn't mind seeing local MPs going to each school (or as many as they can), and trying to persuade the kids to play etc. or even local celebrities or something - that always gets a short boost for numbers, and although eventually some kids who were just there to see the famous person will stop playing, there is the potential to get a few kids enthusiastic enough to want to play long-term.

Only problem is that a lot of these "famous people" will want fees, as their time may be limited or something, but is there any way of perhaps raising funds for this? Or even pilot the idea in one or two areas before trying to do it nationally?

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

So far giving the prizes I've had Junior "The Hitter" Witter WBC Light Welterweight Champion, Nadeem "Golden Boy" Saddique British Master and Central Area "Undefeated" Champion, and at the next event I've got either David Solamona (Utility Wing) or Semi Tandula (Wing) both from Bradford Bulls. I've never payed for any of them, in fact the Bradford Bulls phoned me and offered the players to do prize giving. Just don't think superstars are "A" list only, sports stars are better, and they love the attention. I hoping for Amir Khan, Sir Ken Morrison, Ken Livingston, Kaiser Chiefs, Terrorvision, and maybe at some point Bill Gates. All free.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

That's good stuff, but not all areas are going to be as lucky in having enthusistic local sporting clubs to help us out.

Does it do the trick when you have those "famous people" there to present prizes?

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

What Derby County will happily give you signed shirts, and get team players to events, theres a couple of half decent rugby clubs there, a good basketball team, hockey, ice hockey etc not back for one area.

As for the "trick", Donna came up with the idea of "Goody Bags" to give out at every tournament, kids stayed, superstar gives prizes, Bang!!! it worked. Kids asked for autographs, started supporting the star they had just had their picture taken with. And heros, chess and heros means more junior players.

I will happily give YOU a hand. Call me.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

I'm not saying there's nothing in Derbyshire to get stars from to distribute prizes, just that other areas aren't as fortunate.

The problem with Junior chess in Derbyshire atm is that the Secondary schools don't seem to want to know, but hopefully the free chess sets and the coaching involved with that scheme will change things for the better.

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

Well you are one of the blessed counties as you have something in place already, it will become much bigger but its there. Secondary schools are all coming right to your door. As long as the four boxes are ticked.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

My only concern is that the Secondary Schools will expect everything done for them, and that everything must be perfect...

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

Nope, the school is not that involved, its extended schools and other agencies that will open this door, as for perfection, its never happened in my view, I doubt the juggling class they get at the minute will match up to the certification programme they are going to get. With the schools league and super coaches, its all going to work.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

I pray it does, and I'll try my best to make sure it does, but I'm very sceptical atm because of past experiences...

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

I know Susan is on board very heavily, work as a group and be enthusiastic (can't spell, sorry) it will work, its as captive group. Trust me! I can only hope you will.

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion

Susan?

And I do trust you, and I appreciate very much what you are trying to achieve, I just have trouble seeing it working well (in Derbyshire) when I have my past experiences constantly nagging me at the back of my mind...

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To Drink or not to Drink, that is the question.

I Drink therefore I am.

I'm not as think as you drunk I am.

OK write down how you thoughts on how junior chess would be done 12 months ago, then bin it, cos thats whats its worth. No insult intended. We as a chess body never understood state schools worked thats why we never got in. I have read, jumped though hoops, and built the things we need need. Its here now, are you ready?

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Charles W. Wood
Captain of Legion