Comments on Yorkshire Junior Chess

 So....... let's put this here then make some comments......

YCA AGM – Secretary for Junior Chess Report

 

The following is John Hipshon’s report to the AGM, available as a separate pdf document here.

 

YCA Junior Secretary Report 2024 15th Grand Prix 149 juniors took part this year which is up again from last year. Average attendance was 82, which is the second highest ever. However, number of girls down again – just 18 this year. Winner this year was Aaron Rich. All events sold out well in advance. UKCC MegaFInal – held in York again and again sold out well in advance - very good event this year and well staffed – thanks to everyone. 112 took part (entry was 120). Yorkshire Junior League Thanks to Andy Wainwright for running this. 20 teams this year with Hull just edging Leeds Juniors out for the division one title on game points. Great competition with 123 taking part. EPSCA U11 team The Yorkshire team won the zonal competition easily in Manchester this year defeating teams from the Northern region. However, a number of the top 10 players said they weren’t available for the final so I withdrew the team – which was very disappointing. The format of the EPSCA competition is under review so that teams are reduced from 20 boards to 12. It is important that we make it clear that if we enter the competition that it is a commitment to play in both zones and final. Yorkshire U18 teams This year we entered 3 teams in the Pennine Cup. This demonstrated a great strength in depth as all teams were competent, and our A team won the competition beating off stiff opposition from Liverpool and Manchester, who both out graded us. I couldn’t be at the competition for the full day so thanks to Andy for looking after, but in the time I was there the kids were so focussed and intent on winning it, and really supported each other which was great to see. Junior Clubs There is continued growth of junior clubs in the county and lots of competitions eg the Ilkley events run by Andy. Recommendations We appoint someone to specifically look at girls’ chess and to run girls only events. We appoint team managers for U11 The expansion of the junior league providing we can find suitable venues. We run a Yorkshire Championship event which has age group champions and girls’ champions. Finally It is not the role of the junior sec to run every event and team for juniors in the county, but to oversee the junior scene and select youngsters to play for Yorkshire. The more events the better, and any individual who wants to run any event or league or oversee any team is welcomed. Indeed, we need more volunteers and parents to do this. I am busy – I run the biggest junior club in the county, I run Alwoodley Chess Club, I run the Grand Prix and megafinal and I sit on three committees for various clubs/organisations, and I have another life coaching netball which is also time consuming. I do have a lot of years experience in junior chess and am happy to offer advice and guidance, but I can’t DO everything. If anyone thinks they can, they are welcome to take the role. John Hipshon First of all...... anyone doing things for FREE are nice people......... But when it comes to actual chess coaches I think you get what you pay for to an extent. With my coaching....... in general a lot better than the free coaches although I have of course done much for free... my sister even managed to negotiate me to do quite a bit of FACE TO FACE coaching for free (of course travel, food etc was provided and indirectly money was paid... not enough though) ...... I  would imagine quite a few families could view chess as a cheap child minding service in a way- certainly cheaper than a lot of other activities. Obviously some players are taking it much more seriously than that and playing OTB a lot.  More funding needs to be allocated from the government grant/rebate to club players.