28-12-2013, 02:08 PM
there are "spikes" in chess playing/attainment and enjoyment where there are committed volunteers/coaches/teachers in situ. I agree we need more Mike Hanleys/Steven Taylors but am unsure how we get them.
There are good models in place in Slovakia and the likes but there appear to be an abundance of coaches at every level to facilitate the upward progress of the juniors. What there is in the Slovakian model is an attitude and approach to chess that is different from what we have. The country as a whole view chess as something worthwhile and desirable to have children to attend. It is taught in primary schools, chess clubs flourish. The talent that is produced is of a high standard and of significant depth both in girls and boys chess.
Far from leaving it to small pockets of excellent effort, as we have in Scotland, there are state sponsored programmes both in and out of school to promote chess. Ergo if we wish to emulate the central/eastern european success then our government (nationally/locally) intervention is essential. Local and national chess associations need to work hand in hand to take advantage of any government support. Until then we will produce some good players, occasionally some great players but not in the scale of similar sized countries.
e.g.
statistically Slovakia has 50 titled players over 2300, we have 20. from a population roughly similar, 5.3 million. this example suggests it can be done. (similar figures % wise for Czech Republic; 100 titled players over 2300 from a population of roughly 10 million).
There are good models in place in Slovakia and the likes but there appear to be an abundance of coaches at every level to facilitate the upward progress of the juniors. What there is in the Slovakian model is an attitude and approach to chess that is different from what we have. The country as a whole view chess as something worthwhile and desirable to have children to attend. It is taught in primary schools, chess clubs flourish. The talent that is produced is of a high standard and of significant depth both in girls and boys chess.
Far from leaving it to small pockets of excellent effort, as we have in Scotland, there are state sponsored programmes both in and out of school to promote chess. Ergo if we wish to emulate the central/eastern european success then our government (nationally/locally) intervention is essential. Local and national chess associations need to work hand in hand to take advantage of any government support. Until then we will produce some good players, occasionally some great players but not in the scale of similar sized countries.
e.g.
statistically Slovakia has 50 titled players over 2300, we have 20. from a population roughly similar, 5.3 million. this example suggests it can be done. (similar figures % wise for Czech Republic; 100 titled players over 2300 from a population of roughly 10 million).