English Chess Forum

Interesting thread. Thought I should add to it from my perspective. I volunteered a short while ago to help the Junior Director following a thread I instigated here regarding lack of opportunity in some areas for young chess players. I have been given the role of Junior Clubs Co-ordinator. So far I ...

Scott - please check your messages.

Hi Scott, Shame, but I understand. We're just back from tonight's meeting, sharp drop off in temperament / ability after about 8:15! I took the view that it's only twice a month and bearable. I think I can help re the contacts. I run the chess club at another school (Arnold Lodge) and we play Bablak...

Scott, as noted above Rugby has an excellent junior section. It's where my son plays! Ages range from about 6 upwards, all standards from novice upwards. We recently played a game against Northampton juniors and did OK. I won't be there at the next meeting (Nov 19th), but hopefully I see you in earl...

Neill - thanks for the heads up. I've mailed Phil. If I can't be bothered to volunteer then little point whingeing! I'm not really northern based geographically (except by UK Chess Challenge boundaries) but who knows. The Oldham 3Cs model is what David Levens is proposing nationally is it not? Seems...

Lots of interesting points being raised. As a newbie to this forum I suspect much of what has been contributed has previously been discussed. Is it true to say then that chess opportunities at primary age is geographically patchy? There certainly seem to be some excellent areas (Nottingham) for exam...

I've effectively come a full circle in this thread. Prior to it I felt there was little chess played at under 11 in Warwickshire whilst other counties seemed to have a reasonably healthy set up. This I felt was hampering junior chess development, not just for my son, but for many under 11's. Enthusi...

Michele,
thanks, he's only 8 but I had thought of the Leamington rapidplay later this year. The Warks / Birmingham events clash with some rugby tournaments.

It seems to me that there's a paucity of primary school chess leagues. which I guess isn't unique to Warks. The points above re getting into adult chess as quickly as possible are interesting. In my schooldays my primary school team lead to the grammar school team which competed in adult leagues as ...

Thanks again for the replies - most informative.

Thanks for the prompt reply. Which of course has raised more questions! Having looked at the NYCA and EPSCA websites one caters for Primary School and one for Secondary age children. Is there a quick answer as to why Warwickshire schools don't enter ESPCA events? You mention Birmingham above, couldn...

My son is a keen young chess player. I also am now returning to the game after a 25 year period. I am amazed at the decline in opportunities for youngsters to play chess now compared to the opportunities available to me. I'm sure that's no surprise to anyone on here. In our area it only seems to be ...