I'm thinking of starting a local chess club for children. How do I get started? And how do I advertise it?

Question

I live in Brockley, in South-East London and so am thinking of hosting it in one of the local church halls.

Where's the best place to buy equipment? Are there any "kits" or tutorials you would recommend? How should I advertise it?

Oh, and it would be useful to know what you think I should charge for the chess club... I was thinking along the lines of £5 for a 2 hour club.

Adults and pensioners would also be welcome, but the teaching will be focused on younger children to encourange them into the game.

Each week would have a lesson "theme" and will then be followed by practice, and then some "free play" at the end.

Answer 1

What a great idea!  I dont know if you want to get a kit.  Seach the internet for basics, and tips.  Put up flyers around your neighbourhood, and around the schools near you.  Put up as many as you can.  Flyers can prove quite useful.

Answer 2

Does this site have any ideas  help?

http://www.bcf.org.uk/clubsetc.htm

Answer 3

You will probably need to get a CRB check as you will be working with children - especially as you plan to chargea small fee. I'd suggest you sort that out first as they can take quite a while

Answer 4

The obvious place to advertise would be on school noticeboards. However, you can't just set up a club to deal with children unless you are vetted, i.e. a CRB. As for paying, I am sure there are plenty of activities for children which don't involve a fee so you might find that it could be a non starter. Chess is a wonderful game, but perhaps something like Scrabble might be better to start off with.

Answer 5

Leaflets in local schools, letters to parents, crb certification a must, website to sell on boards, pieces, instructions, tips, include a chess game on there and bring in traffic for advertising sales

Answer 6

get cheap ones 2 start and send out fliers get as many people as u can then have a fund raiser and make sure its enjoyable