I have played chess for many years competing in numerous tournaments including tournaments at the British championships. I took more of an interest in teaching chess when both my children who attended Coldfall school started playing chess. I started the chess club at the school which thrived beyond expectations. In 2013 the Coldfall U11 team reached the National finals.
I decided upon a career change from politics and am now a full time professional chess coach. I coach in a number of schools across North London some of which are part of the nationally renowned ‘chess in school and communities’ project. I also coach at Barnet Knights which is the best junior club in the country. On top of the weekly coaching sessions this involves assisting with organisation our juniors to compete as a team in the adult Middx league and the National junior and senior 4NCL teams. Numerous children in my clubs have achieved their first chess grade and many are ranked highly in the national grade league tables.
I also run the Middlesex Under 14 county side. I am offering competitive chess to older children who may otherwise have drifted away from chess. The result have been encouraging.