Nearly 400 children coming from 35 schools from Merseyside and beyond gathered in the beautiful surroundings of St. George Hall on Monday 25th June to compete in the 4th Chess in Schools and Communities Merseyside Junior Chess Tournament. The Mayor of Liverpool chancellor Joe Anderson presented the prizes.

Mr Anderson revealed as a child he had been taught chess and was a keen player and indeed; he helped to adjudicate one of the unfinished games in the top match. Mr Anderson is one of many leading political figures in Liverpool to play the game. Others most notably are the Eagle Sisters Maria and Angela who are both champions. The Chief Executive of  Chess in Schools and Communities  Malcolm Pein, himself from Liverpool commented; “Thanks to the support of the Mayor, the tournament has been able to go ahead and be a tremendous success, it provides a focus for the all rear round chess lessons the charity provides each week in Merseyside across 23 schoools.

Chess is booming on Merseyside with lots of new talented players attending Liverpool’s Chess Clubs Junior evening each tuesday above The Crown Pub near Lime Street. In cooperation with the council a proposal is being formulated to hold the British Chess Championship once again in the city."

You can view a fantastic photo album of the chess filled day HERE.