An avid chess player is helping to launch an innovative project in Alsager to teach youngsters how to play the historic game of chess. 

Alsager Chess Academy is being set up to pass on the skills to play the legendary board game. 

And organisers of the new academy say it will not only teach children how to play the game but also equip them with skills for life. 

Alsager Chess Academy is launching at Alsager library on Saturday mornings for ages seven to 14 years between 10 am and 12 noon. 

Alsager Chess Academy will be held at Alsager library. (Photo: Nub News)

The sessions start on November 16th and will take place in the upstairs of the library in Sandbach Road North. 

Alan Thomason, who captains the first division at Alsager Chess Club, said: "We've got seven coaches trained and ready to start. It will be completely non-profit making – all the money will be ploughed back into the academy. 

"We want it to be a place of fun and learning. Chess is an important game which develops the child's sense of planning ahead. 

"There's been a resurgence since lock down. More and more people are now playing chess. 

"It helps to teach children certain values, one of which is you don't need to win. Chess has a lot of life lessons." 

Alan, a retired IT professional, is part of a steering committee of five involved with setting up the chess academy. 

His granddaughters, seven-year-old Nora Old and her sister, Claudia (5) often sit with their grandfather in front of the chess board. 

Their parents, Hannah and Martin, are also chess players and will be helping out at the sessions at Alsager Chess Academy. 

Watch this space for more details about the launch of the club and how to contact them!     

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