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About Herts Junior Chess The HJCA is run under the auspices of the Herts Schools Chess Association. It is led by Chris Cook, an English Chess Federation (ECF) Affiliated Coach assisted by other chess players. The Academy is based at North Mymms Cricket Club, a quiet, safe venue in the countryside. Our aims include introducing young players to chess by means of small teaching groups at one of our monthly coaching sessions. This ensures that juniors learn chess in an efficient manner rather than relying on ‘trial and error’. Existing players are developed via a variety of teaching methods including ‘chalk and talk’, interactive exercises and puzzles, DVD lectures and, of course, games. The teaching style is friendly, lively but also challenging. Chris Cook. Chris learnt to play chess at ten and a few years later learnt to play properly. He has four children all of whom play chess. His daughter Yvette played for the England Girls U11 team. Chris has been involved with HSCA for over ten years and in that time has helped to coach hundreds of juniors, many of whom have played for Hertfordshire junior teams and now for senior teams. A handful of students have gone on to enjoy competitive success and break into England junior teams. Chris set up and runs Little Heath Chess Club a ‘lively junior club’ that competes to a high standard in the Herts and Middlesex leagues. Whilst chess takes up a good deal of Chris’s spare time he also finds time to play cricket, captaining two teams at North Mymms, helping out with colts cricket and being coached himself. Chris also runs competitively up to half marathon distance. Chris believes that chess is an important activity for juniors helping them to develop both cognitive and social skills. His biggest frustration is seeing parents live out their ambitions through their children to the extent that the juniors no longer enjoy the game. The HSCA The HSCA is essentially a small group of committed parents, some of whom play the game and some who don’t, working together to provide chess playing opportunities for children in Hertfordshire. In recent years our teams have undoubtedly ‘punched above their weight’ compared with established counties and areas. We are very proud of our Under 9 team that not only came third in the 2007- 2008 national EPSCA competition but also supplied several players for the U11 team which qualified for their national final. Our Under 14 team was runner-up in the 2007 – 2008 SCCU final drawing on points but losing on a tie-break system. Several juniors have played to a high standard in individual competitions and have qualified for the England U11 team and other teams. The HSCA acknowledges work being undertaken with juniors across the county. We are very fortunate to be able to partner with North Mymms Cricket Club. As can be seen in the pavilion, the club has a long and successful history. However, due to its location it retains a friendly, small club atmosphere. Several of our juniors are members of the small Colts section at the club thereby bridging chess and cricket. The club recently acquired ClubMark status which demonstrates a commitment to developing cricket at all levels but especially for juniors. The club has hosted various charity events including a Sports Relief event and Giant Sleepover – again involving some of our chess players. The facilities are available for hire and players of all standards and ages are invited to join the club. Details may be found on www.northmymmscc.co.uk.
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