28-12-2013, 10:06 AM
I don't want to deviate off topic, but corporal punishment Andy? That sounds like a complete cop-out to me. If a child is being disruptive in an after-school club then you have the power to ban them from attending it.
The main reason for Chess not being as popular in some areas these days is due to a lack of volunteers driving it forward. It's no coincidence that in places where there are committed volunteers Chess is thriving. Look at what Michael Hanley is doing, for instance. If CS had 50 Michael Hanley's strategically located around the country then Chess would be being played by thousands of school children across the country who currently aren't playing it. That's not to down the efforts of other volunteers - who are undoubtedly doing fantastic work as well.
Why volunteers aren't coming forward is anyone's guess, and there are probably lots of reasons. However, it's not because of what Andy M said - as if it were then we'd have to ask why other school clubs such as football etc are still thriving. But it doesn't need to be a teacher in a school who starts up a Chess club. In fact, many of the best Chess clubs out there are run by an enthusiastic parent or two. You don't even need to be a brilliant player to run a brilliant Chess club.
The main reason for Chess not being as popular in some areas these days is due to a lack of volunteers driving it forward. It's no coincidence that in places where there are committed volunteers Chess is thriving. Look at what Michael Hanley is doing, for instance. If CS had 50 Michael Hanley's strategically located around the country then Chess would be being played by thousands of school children across the country who currently aren't playing it. That's not to down the efforts of other volunteers - who are undoubtedly doing fantastic work as well.
Why volunteers aren't coming forward is anyone's guess, and there are probably lots of reasons. However, it's not because of what Andy M said - as if it were then we'd have to ask why other school clubs such as football etc are still thriving. But it doesn't need to be a teacher in a school who starts up a Chess club. In fact, many of the best Chess clubs out there are run by an enthusiastic parent or two. You don't even need to be a brilliant player to run a brilliant Chess club.