Development & Holiday Programs

ACTJCL prides itself on providing high quality coaching & development programs for players at all levels. Children actively taking part in our club and tournament activities are encouraged to nominate for these programs.

ACTJCL Development Squad

The Development Squad program originated in 2002 and has aimed to identify, recognise and promote enthusiastic and talented young players. It is not solely for elite players – interest, good sportsmanship and enthusiasm (demonstrated through participation in our events) are rated just as highly.

The Squad meets monthly, providing an opportunity for high quality coaching, and a mix of games & activities, alongside a chance for the members to strengthen relationships with similarly committed young players. Squad members often progress to playing at Australian Junior Championship events and many past members have held national age titles and had international experience!

Applications are sought early in the year with the Squad itself selected following the Autumn Junior Weekender event. There is an expectation that parents of Squad members will assist with ACTJCL events during the year. More details can be found in the Development Squad Application Form application form or by contacting the 2011 (interim) Squad Coordinator, Mark Kethro on dev.squad@actjcl.org.au.

Our 2011 Development Squad members are:
Nedeera Abhayapala, Radeeka Abhayapala, James Ashton, Matthew Buckley, Brendan Chan, Ethan Derwent, Adam Glanville, Mark Glanville, Jamie-Lee Guo, Dillon Hathiramani, Nikhil Kalele, Michael Kethro, Angela Lanspeary, Jaimie Liebowitz, Michael Liebowitz, Daniel Lowe, David Mackey, Daniel Neely, Mark Perry, Harry Press, Glen Qi, Walter Wolffs, Geoffrey Zhu.

Click here for the 2011 Coaching Groups.

ACTJCL Holiday Programs

These are high-quality chess-focused programs suited to children seeking more than just a fun school holiday activity (although we think we offer that as well) – these programs are targeted at children wanting to develop and improve their game.

Places in each program are limited and book out very quickly! Those first to receive an offer of a place are the children most active in our events in the previous 12 months but any remaining places are open to those children first to apply.

Programs include a t-shirt for each participant, 6x 90min coaching sessions, 3x tournaments (rapid, lightning & transfer), fun team-based activities and prizes, coach's awards, lucky draws, afternoon tea, and a pizza lunch on the final day!

Our very top candidates (the six members of the top coaching group) will have a leadership role as team captains. Every team will have one member randomly selected from each coaching group, ensuring each team represents a mix of age, gender & ability. All the activities over the three days present an opportunity to earn points for the team and help participants to build friendships with other players and keep our focus on good sportsmanship and team spirit. More information can be obtained by contacting a member of the ACTJCL committee.

ACTJCL is in the process of reviewing the holiday programs it offers in 2011. Further advice will be provided once the holiday programs being offered are determined.