Should we be worried about Bridge dying out?
While support for Chess continues to grow, Bridge seems to be suffering from a lack of sponsorship for upcoming generations. Arguably, if Bridge is not to die out in the near future, we need to get more young people interested in the complexities and challenges of the game. Below is a list of events and opportunities for getting a new generation interested in playing Bridge.
(courtesy of Joan Bennett - National Youth Co-ordinator EBED).
Interschools league held on RealBridge between October and Easter. Run by Stuart Haring of Habs boys which is the school with the largest entry. Results on EBU Home Page, Youth, League results. Started in 2021-22 season. This years winners St Pauls, 2nd Habs Prize- Lords Trophy presented at the House of Lords along with a tour , match and tea. Cancelled this year since the building is closed until after the election!
Grand Prix series. Consists of 6 events, entries and running results on bridge4schools. 3F2F at youth camps and 3 online on RealBridge. Started in 2021-22 season Last online one on 30thJune- register on B4S to give it a try ready for next year.
Junior Bridge Camps. Spring Cheltenham(ladies college and bridge club), Summer Northants(Kings Park conference centre), Autumn Woldingham School Surrey. Everyone enjoys them and makes enormous strides. Financial help is available so that everyone who wants to come can-just ask. Please see this flyer for the next one. Google the Kings Park Conference centre for more details.
Generation Game Started in December 2023 with 2T. Now running monthly with 3-4T minibridge and 7-8T bridge. Aimed at family bridge and started by 2 grannies who live some distance from their grandchildren. One granny from Norfolk is playing with her 3 grandchildren in Toronto.
Schools cups. National schools championship- March Loughborough, Herts cup. November Habs boys, Surrey Schools cup. Feb. All teams of 4 events -very inclusive since there are several levels to choose from. All 3 attract an entry of approximately 100 juniors.
Weekend clubs. These are run at Acland Burghley (North London), Cheltenham, Oxford, Witney and York with others in the pipeline
Can you talk to your bridge friends and suggest that they introduce their grandchildren to minibridge - even if it means learning it themselves and then join us for the generation game so you can continue to play with your family and friends. Alternatively, visit the Bridge for Schools website for a complete listing of upcoming events and activities.
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Should we be worried about Bridge dying out?
While support for Chess continues to grow, Bridge seems to be suffering from a lack of sponsorship for upcoming generations. Arguably, if Bridge is not to die out in the near future, we need to get more young people interested in the complexities and challenges of the game. Below is a list of events and opportunities for getting a new generation interested in playing Bridge. ..........
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