Chess Scotland Noticeboard

Mike Scott · King Joined: 01 Feb 2007 Posts: 676 Location: Edinburgh

I think more use of the internet can be made for every day regular chess training, however my suggestion of a training camp was to provide training specific to those participating in events like the worlds & euros. My point was that to practice for these events one needs to be able to re-create some of the same intensity and pressure. Knowing your theory is part of it but there is more to it than just that.

admin · Site Admin Joined: 09 Jan 2007 Posts: 1386

Anyone wondering what benefits Euroyouth had on the younger players, pop along to the Lothians allegro taking place today and ask the adults that are currently being taken to task.

I've yet to hear a bad comment from any adult who has played one of the younger players, they are all full of praise for the standard they are facing.

If this is what it is like after taking a squad that size once a year, we need to find ways of raising money so we can take large squads to more of these events

Angus McDonald · King Joined: 08 Apr 2009 Posts: 162

If one is fortunate enough to be 1st choice then the costs arn't too terrible but! if you are equally talented, hopeful, not so well off etc and are only 2nd choice or 3rd choice then the costs can be prohibitive.
If you get 3 supported places at each age level (not looking for full support but half support from government should be correct imho) then the benefits to the country in terms of youngsters pursueing a wholesome pastime should be worth the costs. Other sports are supported so why shouldn't Chess be supported. With 3 places up for grabs at each agegroup it's not unlikely that we may have 10 to 20 competitively seeking those places at each age level who feel they have realistic chances of getting there.
If you get 3 supported places at each agegroup for the worlds/euros then we get bigger squads, more children naturally pursueing these places and the future of Chess at club level also looks healthier. I suggest contacting http://www.winningscotlandfoundation.org/aboutus.aspx as their ethos is to support Scotland doing well at international level and support talent and excellence. I'd be happy to help with this if the time involved is too much for the directors responsible. It is as Andy suggests worth putting the time and effort into this because I think it's fair to the youngsters playing, the parents picking up the tab and also it will strengthen the whole of Chess in the years to come.

rgds,
Angus