the english chess
federation
English Chess
Federation
T
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he English Chess Federation is a not-for-profit voluntary member organisation and national governing body.
They run the British Chess Championships, as well as national championships for schools, clubs, counties,
women and girls. Their Chief Executive Phil Ehr took the time to tell us more about the Federation and the
work that they carry out.
SIP: How long have you been involved with the Chess Federation and
what first attracted you to the set up?
PE: I stood for election as English Chess Federation’s director of
junior chess and education in 2011 to give back to the community of
volunteers who made a positive impact on my two daughters’ success
in academics and sports. I am now the chief executive.
SIP: Why should people take up chess?
PE: Chess is like swimming in the ocean. Anyone who learns the
rules can enjoy a swim along the surface or dive to discover hidden
treasures. Everyone can enrich himself or herself by swimming
in chess. Football and rugby players, cricketers and tennis players
would perform better in those games by also developing their minds
with chess.
Athletes’ innate spirit and sporting psychology can carry them into a
lifetime of competitive enjoyment and personal advancement in critical
analysis, decision making and strategic thinking. Recommendation to
sports medicine: Prescribe chess lessons for athletes recovering
from injury.
SIP: Who can play chess?
PE: Chess is a game for everyone. Equipment costs are trivial.
Chess clubs are established up and down the country where
people can learn, play evening games and potentially