Let’s focus on the social benefits which many children will get from playing age-appropriate skill-based board games.
Let’s promote minichess games in primary schools: they’re free, age-appropriate, don’t require specialist tutors and, in some cases, don’t even need chess sets.
Let’s promote chess in secondary schools in a big way: children will be developing independent learning skills so will need less parental support.
Let’s set up a network of community-based, volunteer-led (or sponsored) social chess clubs for families and children using professionally written coaching materials. Club leaders might be parents, teachers or chess players. Leaders of minichess clubs for younger children will require little chess expertise, but chess clubs for older and more experienced players should ideally have access to someone of 1500+ strength. Visit spectrumchess.uk for further details.
Let’s set up a network of regional clubs (like Richmond Junior Club) offering professional tuition on a weekly basis, along with holiday courses, for ambitious young players.
Let’s forge links between both social and professional junior chess clubs and adult chess clubs.
Chess 1500 