The ALMT is delighted to be partnering with Chess in Schools and Communities (CSC) to run a three-year chess programme in schools in Merseyside. Learning chess engenders valuable cognitive skills in children such as problem solving, logical thinking and pattern recognition. The game helps to improve children’s powers of concentration, instils the idea that actions have consequences, boosts self-esteem, and teaches children how to win and lose gracefully.

During the pandemic Chess in Schools has worked hard to move all activities online and the project can be delivered virtually if necessary. The project will provide weekly chess lessons in six schools. Children in Merseyside have been particularly badly affected by the crisis and CSC has a good track record as well as excellent staff in place there. Each participant will receive all the required learning materials; a chess set and a Gold subscription to Chesskid. There will also be an end of year tournament at St Georges Hall for up to 40 state schools and 400 pupils. The tournaments inspire children, and show them that by driving yourself to improvement, you can do better. On top of this there will be a second ‘Empower Girls Liverpool’ chess tournament building on the previous successful event and aiming to combat the lower participation rates of girls by showing that chess is for them. Finally, CSC will provide travel bursaries for children to attend the annual London Chess Classic (hosting activities for 2,500 children alongside a tournament for the world’s leading players, an amateur festival and a chess in education conference).