A new chess academy for youngsters in Alsager which starts in two weeks' time has launched a poster design competition to give away six free sessions - £30 of vouchers.

Alsager Owls Junior Chess Academy has three streams for players - each based around Harry Potter themed names for beginners, intermediate and advanced players.

Harry Potter enjoyed playing chess and he Ron, and Hermione played a giant game of Wizard's Chess to find the Philosopher's Stone.

The chess academy has three streams - pigwidgeon (beginners), hedwig (intermediate) and hermes (advanced) and their Facebook page here and the club is launching e-gift vouchers which can to be bought separately here.

The logo for the new chess academy in Alsager. (Photo: Alan Thomason)

And they are calling on creative youngsters to come up with a poster design for the club aimed primarily for children up to the age of 16.

"Whoever designs the winning poster for 'Owls' will receive a £30 voucher which accounts to six free sessions at the academy," said Alan Thomason, who captains the first division at Alsager Chess Club, and is one of the organisers of the academy.

"We're really excited about the launch on November 16th and have badges and polo shirts for members to create our branding.

"All we need now is a poster for the club which is why we're reaching out to youngsters."

Alsager Chess Academy or Owls is being set up to pass on the skills to play the legendary board game which organisers say will not only teach children how to play the game but also equip them with skills for life. 

The academy is launching at Alsager library on Saturday, November 16th for ages seven to 14 years between 10 am and 12 noon. 

And it's had a £100 boost from local accountants and business advisers, Seagrave French Accountants and Business Advisers who are opening a branch in Alsager.

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

Alan, who lives in Alsager, said previously: "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 seven-year-old and five-year-old granddaughters often sit with their grandfather in front of the chess board. Their parents, Hannah and Martin Old, are also chess players and will be helping out at the sessions at Alsager Chess Academy. 

Youngsters should send their poster entries to [email protected] or ring 07425 249184.

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