Junior Chess at Lichfield Chess Club
Lichfield Chess Club welcomes junior players who are interested in improving their chess and enjoying friendly over-the-board games in a supportive club environment.
We aim to help young players develop their skills, confidence and enjoyment of chess, whether they already play regularly online, have taken part in school chess, or are beginning to explore competitive chess for the first time.
Is the club suitable for my child?
The club is best suited to juniors who already have a good grasp of the basics of chess, and can play a complete game independently. We do not set a strict minimum age, but the club environment is best suited to children who can concentrate on a full game and behave considerately in a mixed-age club setting. As a rough guide, juniors who have played regular competitive chess at school or online, and who have an online grading (Chess.com, Lichess, ChessKid) of about 800 or more, are likely to settle in well.
What can juniors do at the club?
Junior members can take part in:
- friendly games on club nights
- coaching and advice from experienced players
- internal club competitions where appropriate
- junior-friendly events and newcomers’ competitions
- league chess when they are ready and selected for a suitable team
We encourage juniors to improve at their own pace. Some juniors may mainly want casual games and coaching, while others may be ready for competitive matches.
Your child's first visit
As for all new members, new juniors are welcome to visit the club up to three times before deciding whether to join. This gives them a chance to meet other players, see how the club works, and decide whether it is the right environment for them.
Parents or guardians are encouraged to contact the club before a first visit so that we can advise on the best evening to attend and make sure someone is available to welcome you.
Parents and guardians
For juniors, in accordance with our Safeguarding policy, a parent or guardian should stay at the venue during the session. Parents are very welcome to watch games or play casual chess themselves. Tea and coffee facilities are available free of charge at The Guildhall (Thursdays), and there is a bar downstairs at The King's Head (Mondays).
Safeguarding
Lichfield Chess Club takes the welfare of junior members seriously. The club has safeguarding procedures in place and expects all members to help maintain a respectful, safe and positive environment. Our safeguarding policy is available below, and parents or carers are welcome to contact the club with any questions before attending.
Competitive chess
When juniors are ready, they may have opportunities to play in internal competitions or represent the club in league matches. Team selection depends on experience, playing strength, and availability. There is no pressure to play competitively straight away. We want juniors to enjoy their chess and build confidence first.
Interested in coming along?
If your child would like to try Lichfield Chess Club, please contact us before your first visit. We can answer any questions, explain what to expect, and help arrange a suitable evening for them to attend the club.
Juniors playing league chess will also need to pay a subscription to the ECF (English Chess Federation) after their first 3 league games in any league. The 2026 cost of an ECF Bronze subscription is £7.50 per year for juniors.
Frequently asked questions:
What ages does the club welcome?
There is no strict minimum age. As a rough guide, juniors who can concentrate on a full game, behave considerately in a mixed-age setting, and have an online rating of about 800 or more (on Chess.com, Lichess, or ChessKid) usually settle in well.
Do parents or guardians need to stay during sessions?
Yes. In line with our Safeguarding policy, a parent or guardian should remain at the venue throughout the session. Parents are welcome to watch games or play casual chess themselves. Tea and coffee are free at the Guildhall on Thursdays, and there's a bar downstairs at The King's Head on Mondays.
How much does junior membership cost?
Annual subscriptions run from July: £35 for juniors, with discounted rates available for juniors joining part-way through the season. Juniors playing league chess will also need an ECF Bronze membership (£7.50/year) after their first three league games.
Does my child need to be an experienced player to join?
The club isn't set up to teach chess from scratch, so a good grasp of the rules and the ability to play a complete game independently are important. Beyond that, we welcome juniors at a wide range of strengths and help them improve at their own pace.
Can juniors play in competitive league matches?
Yes, when they're ready. Juniors may be selected for league teams based on experience, playing strength, and availability. There's no pressure to play competitively straight away - we want juniors to enjoy their chess and build confidence first.
What safeguarding measures are in place?
The club has a written Safeguarding policy (available on the Juniors page) and expects all members to help maintain a respectful, safe and positive environment. Parents or carers are welcome to contact the club with any questions before attending.
How can my child come and try the club?
New juniors are welcome to visit up to three times free of charge before deciding on membership. Please contact David or John in our New Member team before a first visit so we can advise on the best evening to attend and make sure someone is available to welcome you.
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