NSDCA Players in Staffordshire Under 1650 team

 The Staffordshire Under 1650 Team made a winning start by beating Warwickshire by 7.5 to 3.5 at Stratford on Saturday 19th September. Congratulations to the two Potteries Juniors players Ryan Hamblett and Christian-Gabriel Dragan who their county debuts and won their matches. Thanks to Gwyn Price and Martin Chadwick of Meir who were able to step in at short notice to complete the team, with a win and a draw respectively.

There are still four more Staffordshire U1650 games between October and March and if you have suitable rating please contact the captain, Connor Whetnall.

Staffordshire Junior Championships 2026

 The Staffordshire Junior Chess Championship will be held at Painsley Catholic College, Cheadle, Staffordshire, ST10 1LH on Saturday 21st November 2026.

There will be the following sections, Under 8, Under 9, Under 10, Under 11, Under 12, Under 14, Under 16 and Under 18. The Entry Fee is £20 with proven ECF Junior Gold Membership or £23 if a junior bronze or non-ECF member.

Please see entry methods and further details on the Staffordshire Chess Association website.

Staffordshire Under 1650 Team

 The fixtures for the Staffordshire Under 1650 Team in the Midlands Counties Championships have been announced. Connor Whetnall of Lichfield Chess Club has taken over the captaincy from Peter Evans. The first two matches are away on Saturday September 19th against Warwickshire at Coleshill and on Saturday October 10th against Lincolnshire at a neutral venue in Leicestershire. If you qualify to play and wish to participate, please email Connor.

NSDCA Juniors get International Call Up

Congratulations to Malcolm Fletcher of Stafford and Jamie Roberts of Crewe who have been selected to represent England (Malcolm) and Wales (Jamie) in the Glorney Gilbert International Chess Tournament in Limerick. The competition is annual junior team chess festival featuring some of the most talented youth players from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales. Well done!

Pepper Mill - Potteries Juniors Chess Festival 1st to 8th August

The festival takes place at the Pepper Mill, Phoenix Way, Longton, Stoke-on-Trent, ST3 2JD, from Saturday 1st August to Saturday 8th August.  For further information please contact Chris Hankey by email or phone 07866 400719.

Events will be from 1pm-4pm unless stated. The entry fee for all events will be only £1, and prizes will be awarded. All events will conclude with the Pepper Mill Cup on Friday 7th August. If weather permits all events will be held outside. There will be Junior Rapid Play and Blitz events at Under 12 and Under 18 culminating with the Champions League on Friday 7th August. A full timetable of events may be viewed here.

Jonathon Blackburn Simul to celebrate Alsager's new venue

Alsager Chess Club is delighted to welcome FM Jonathan Blackburn, Welsh International, former Welsh Under-21 Champion and reigning Staffordshire Champion, for a simultaneous exhibition on Tuesday 21 July at their new venue, Wesley Place, Methodist Church, 30 Lawton Rd, Alsager, Stoke-on-Trent ST7 2RU

This is a rare opportunity for local players to test themselves against one of the strongest players in the region and enjoy an evening of competitive chess in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

For an Entry form please click here.

Gables are Moving and Changing their name to Pepper Mill Chess Club

 Gables Chess Club are on the move again to the Pepper Mill, Phoenix Way, Longton, Stoke, Staffordshire, ST3 2JD. Match and Club Nights will be on Mondays. Potteries Juniors will also meet at the Pepper Mill on Saturdays. The club will compete in the 2026-27 NSDCA Season under the Pepper Mill name.

Staffordshire Chess Association AGM Wednesday 24th June

  The Annual General Meeting of the Staffordshire Chess Association will be held at St Bertelin's Church, Holmcroft Road, Stafford, ST16 1JH, Wednesday 24th June at 19:30.

Crewe Congress Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June

 It is not too late to enter the ever popular Crewe Congress which is being held on the last weekend of June, Friday 26th to Sunday 28th June. For entry form and further details please check here.

The Congress is supported by Mornflake Mighty Oats and sponsored by ChessPick.

Congratulations to all Competition Winners

 With all the NSDCA league and cup titles decided please see a list of winners

Honours Board for Season 2025-26

Division 1- 1st Alsager A,  2nd Crewe A

Division 2- 1st Crewe D, 2nd Stafford

Division 3- 1st Holmes Chapel B,  2nd Crewe G

Division 4- 1st Crewe I,  2nd Cheddleton C

Division 5-  1st  Meir,  2nd Holmes Chapel C

Major Cup- 1st Stafford Maj, 2nd Alsager Maj

Inter Cup- 1st Crewe Int, 2nd Alsager Int

Perry Trophy- 1st Crewe Perry 1, 2nd Cheddleton Perry