Serious players will improve this summer by playing in challenging tournaments. Richly deserved attention will be focused on England’s top players as they compete in the major youth championships: the European Youth, the Under 16 Olympiad and the World Youth Chess Championships. England will also battle for bragging rights across the British Isles to hold the Glorney Cup, the Gilbert Cup, the Robinson Cup and the Stokes Cup.
The British Championships, 22nd July – 4th August in North Shields, are highlights of summer chess in the United Kingdom. This series of competitions (something for everyone of all ages), free coaching for juniors and friendly Northern hospitality marks the beginning of the 2012/2013 Junior Grand Prix. If you consider yourself relatively new to competitive chess, there is no better occasion than the British Championships to see what it’s all about and be inspired. Many other tournaments in England remain open for everyone to improve through tough competition. Dedicated training events—even a chess camp—also adorn the ECF Events Calendar. If chosen wisely, these events are cost-effective ways to strengthen your chess.
The World Chess Federation (FIDE) and the European Chess Union (ECU) invite national federations (such as the ECF) to compete in international youth championships. The major championships are listed above. Other events are available for suitably qualified ECF juniors to develop as international competitors. We call these events ‘developmental championships’. Due to interest recently expressed, the ECF is prepared to accept ECU invitations to compete in the following, subject to review by the Player Development and Selection Committee:
- European Youth Under 18 Team Chess Championship, 11th-19th July, Pardubice, Czech Republic. Teams of four players in the Open. Teams of two players in the Girls section. Seven rounds in seven days. Data from last year: Open and Girls. U18 players and ECF accredited coaches are encouraged to form their own teams just as you might to compete in a Junior 4NCL weekend. Teams are responsible for their own transportation. Registration data and fees must be received by the ECF office by Friday, 25th May. A chief of delegation will be appointed from those who register. Email the Junior Director to put your name on this page – Players and Coaches Looking for a Team!
- European Union Youth Chess Championships [regulations | tourist info], 31st July – 9th August, Mureck, Austria. U14, U12, U10, U8 sections. Nine rounds in nine days. Data from last year is here. ECF-appointed coaches will be sought to support players. The estimated price is £1200 to £1600 for hotel and full board for one child and one adult, as well as in-tournament coaching; but not transportation. Register interest with the Junior Development Officer and the Junior Director by 18th May.
- European School Team Chess Championships, 1st – 9th August, Naberezyne Chelny, Russia. School teams of four Under 14 players, at least one of whom must be a girl. Players must be on the rolls of the same school and ECF members. Seven rounds in seven days. Adult supervision and travel plans must be reviewed jointly by the head teacher (or designee) and the ECF Junior Director. Registration data and fees must be received by the ECF office by Friday, 25th May.