Girls only events in 2013-14

[David G Congalton]

Which makes it somewhat disrespectful to those 3 coaches to create and feed a thread based upon the concept that we must start coaching those girls around the country as they play a subset of the countries juniors.

It was certainly not my intention to be disrespectful to the coaches or the girls. If it came across that way I apologise.

The thread was created because of the positive efforts and attitudes of the four girls who took part in the Cardiff event.

I thought the three girls who represented Scotland in this year’s Jessica Gilbert Cup performed exceptionally well against very tough opposition.

I should have added in the words below highlighted in red to the original post to be slightly clearer.

The coaching from Matthew Turner and Heather Lang undoubtedly contributed to the girl’s performance and confidence over the three days.
However, there is only so much that can be done at an event like this and while I understand that much of the work between events has to be done by players themselves and their own coaches, I think it would be beneficial for a number of reasons to see regular get togethers for additional coaching and events throughout the year for girls.

The idea of a girl's only events and organised, regular free coaching was originally muted by a parent of one of the girl's. This girl also has her own coach, at the moment.

The events and training I have in mind would not be in place of club events/coaching and private coaching but in addition to it. I, personally, do think it would be beneficial for the top girl's to get together on a regular basis.

I had hoped to organise such an event before the Glorney/Gilbert and had booked Edinburgh Chess Club for this. GM Arakhamia-Grant was one of those very interested in doing some work with the girls and agreed to come along.

Circumstances led to the event being cancelled before it had got to the invitation stage but it would be GM standard coaches that I would be looking to bring in for such specific coaching events. I believe GM Arakhamia-Grant could still be interested in any such events.

On the tournament front, I would be looking at how best to prepare the top girl’s for events such as Euro and World Youth’s and Jessica Gilbert Cup and trying to replicate these events as far as is possible, within timescales.

The purpose of starting the thread was to put forward some ideas for discussion, suggestions and criticism with a view to building on the work that has already been and is being done. It was not meant as a criticism in any way of any girls playing chess at any level or coaches coaching them.

At Primary school level there is significant interest in playing chess, with both boys and girls taking part. Since I only returned to playing three or four years ago I can only say that this interest in Primary School chess had been significant during that time. I’ve heard the reasons as to why so many kids don’t continue with the game after primary school and I am simply looking at avenues to change this, which I can do something about.

Matthew, Gary and Andy have already made positive contributions, which I would take into consideration before putting together a schedule of events.