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Chess Clubs - Tampa Bay Area
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In today's world of brain sapping quick click video games, where can students learn and have fun? |
Educators and parents want their children to learn. Students want to have fun. Chess club offers an environment were both happen in abundance. So In today's world of brain sapping quick click video games, students both learn and have fun at Chess Club. This once a week opportunity adds a social element with a common bond of learning with a purpose. Every child learning and growing in there individual cognitive ability. Each player increasing their skills and confidence. Chess club offers new opportunities for friendships.
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Krista- In 2010, a chess program came to our kids school Citrus Park Elementary. Krista soon became the volunteer chess Mom. Joshua and James were club members and loving the game of chess. Krista has a love for working with students, and opportunities quickly opened from several top coaches in the Tampa Bay area. Roland Park Magnet School was our first chess club coaching job. West Lake Christian and Trinity Homeschool Academy soon followed. At the same time new opportunities opened up for tournament directing. First at the local level, then at the regional and state level. Krista was an assistant TD (Tournament Director) for the K-1 division at the USCF Scholastic Nationals in 2014 and 2015. Since 2015 we have been directing the West Tampa Chess Tournament with National Master Corey Acor. Our tournaments have the following divisions: Beginner Rated (U500), Advanced Rated (U1000), and Open/Cash with almost $500 of prize money. Offering chess camps began in the Summer 2017. These one week (6 hour each day) camps bring a new level of chess for each player. Besides the mental challenge, several physical challenges and fun games create an atmosphere of opportunities. January 2019 - Coach Krista Alton was appointed as a Regional Director to the board of the Florida Chess Association. She will also be our state representative for the US Chess Women's Committee. Arthur- Starting in 2015 Arthur began to be a floor director at the West Tampa Rated Chess Tournaments. In January 2016, Arthur became the head coach for the new Advance chess club at Westlake Christian School. In September 2017, Arthur became the head coach for the chess program at Hillsborough Academy of Math and Science. 2018-19 working with National Master Corey Acor at the WestChase Elementary chess club with over 80 students. |