23-04-2014, 01:45 PM
Ianbrownlee Wrote:I also notice that the average age of chess clubs seems to creep up every year. I know or one or two clubs where this is becoming a crisis and hass to be addressed.
The clubs themselves need to take some responsibility for this. They need to make the clubs welcoming to kids (and their parents) and offer them support, primarily through training.
If no members are willing to give up some of their time to kids and just hope that others will do it then they will suffer in the long term.
First impressions are important. Welcome them, devote time to them and you may see the benefits, particularly if they then start bringing their friends along.
I was at one club as a visitor when a keen teenager turned up for the first time and nobody from the club bothered to speak to him. I doubt that he ever went back.
I know that some clubs may not be set up for this for various reasons but they should start some level of forward planning.
Clubs are vital in developing young talent and making sure that they don't drift away into other pastimes.