A bumper entry of 74 children aged 4 - 15, representing all standards between complete beginners and England Squad players, attended the training event at Aldrington School, Hove.

The day was unique because it featured focused training for the girls by top role model Amy Hoare. Amy, 14, started out in chess at Sussex Junior Chess before moving on to compete at National and International level. Amy represented England at the European Youth Championships in 2009 and this year was the youngest player in the Women’s Invitational Tournament at the prestigious London Chess Classic.

Amy ran several small groups throughout the day which proved very popular and motivational for the girls. The only complaint from one of the girls was that she didn't "get enough Amy"!

Not to be outdone, SJC Chairperson Brian Stockham offered to run a training session for interested parents and was impressed with the response - 18 parents followed him into a classroom and tolerated back-breakingly small furniture in pursuit of chess clarity. Even more astonishingly, 14 returned after lunch to put what they had learnt into practice.

Thanks go to the school for the spacious venue, and to Amy and Brian for their time on the day.

Amy proving she understands how to motivate the girls.

The observant amongst you may spot that the parents group were only trusted to play with just pawns and kings.

With the parents busy with their chess it was left to the children to run the catering operation.

The U9 County squad were practising recording their moves.

New starters learn how the pieces move with Will.

Amy with one of the 4 different groups she ran during the day.

Puzzles to solve for the U11s

Finishing off with some fun games.

A mini-tournament in the senior group.