The new Association will run many junior competitions at all levels in Yorkshire and training schools throughout the year. It is intended not to be always serious and there will be a number of fun events – so all levels of player can enjoy chess – with a laugh too. Chess can get a bit too serious some times!

There will be greater emphasis on juniors aged 12 and under (Year 7 and below), but it is for all juniors up to the age 18 (as at 1 September 2009).

It will help parents to get their children the correct training/coaches to help them improve standard of play if they want it and as a central point for information on junior chess in the county.

The Association will be a body to both encourage junior chess and also act as a pressure group to improve leagues and uphold legitimate concerns of parents – such as Child Protection and suitability of venues. It will also work closely with the YCA (Yorkshire Chess Association) to ensure juniors that are up and coming are considered and picked for county teams to help their development in national tournaments.

FUNDING

To run a top class professional organisation and many events as we intend to do, it does cost money.

The Association intends to raise funds throughout the year to provide the above events and also to allow more teams to compete in National competitions at County and individual level.

We hope to be able to subsidise travel to national competitions when needed and act as a co-ordinator to allow parents to share transport where possible and so cut costs and time spent at tournaments hanging around and travelling. This should allow more juniors to attend more tournaments.

The Association is non profit making and will consider financial help for anyone from it’s funds.

There will be a number of fund raising events and we intend to have an Online Shop in the near future to buy all sorts of things for mum, dads and kids - not just chess stuff.

If you want any further information or wish to ask any questions – please feel free to contact me. I hope you will support this new initiative and you will see great results soon.

John Fozard - Chairman