Qualification Tournaments

I am frequently asked “What happens if I don’t qualify at the trial?” There are plenty of other chances to qualify for the Junior Squad BUT you have to keep working and qualification might never come. I have known players who kept trying until they were 16 and did not get in. On the positive side, at U12 level 7 players have qualified since the 2006 trial, at U13 level the figure is 15 and at U14 there are 19. So, you do have every chance if you keep working. Furthermore almost all of those who qualified have been on, or been offered, a foreign trip.
To qualify you need to get a good score (often 50% + a point or so) in two tournaments
Occasionally an excellent score (normally 1st or 2nd) in one will suffice. Always check with Peter Purland, Alec Webster or Victor Cross. The score needed.

The tournaments

Young Masters Weekend Event Millfield 21\2 July
Information from Alec Webster 0208 642 2605

British Championships Great Yarmouth 30 July - 11 August
Forms can be got from ECF Office or downloaded from ECF Website. ecf.org.uk
U11, U13 and U16 tournaments are Week 1, U12 & U14 Week 2. It is possible to do well in both weeks and qualify for the squad as each week is classed as a separate tournament.

British Rapidplay Halifax 17\18 November
Information from Brent Kitson 0113 266 2330 (2006 contact although I think it will be the same). Please note, in this event you enter the adult section appropriate to your grade (not a higher one) and I will give you a target after round one.

London Junior 8\9 December (U14) 28-30 December (U16, U12)
Information from Marc Shaw 020 8931 2276. The qualification level in the U12s might be 50% +1.5 as it is 9 rounds and there are younger players. Check with Victor Cross during the event.

South of England Championships provisionally at Yately Manor Feb 2\3
Peter Purland 0151 733 4854 petepurland@btopenworld.com– only for Squad players and those with one half norm.

West of England Championships at Swindon February 23\4
Information from Bev Schofield 01793 487575

Junior Squad at John Moores University Liverpool Mar 28-30
Information from Alec Webster 0208 642 2605

Finally, if you do have any questions my phone and e-mail details are above. Please do not hesitate to contact me.

Peter Purlan