Q. How does the EBU propose to develop bridge across different age groups?

There are a number of plans that we have in mind to develop the game but because we need to ensure that we have a strong basis to develop from we have yet to research and cost these potential projects in detail.  However the following are areas that we would like to investigate in the future:

Youth Bridge

Bridge in schools is currently dependent on the good will and enthusiasm of volunteers which we appreciate greatly, but which does not provide consistency or continuity. Although we recognise that some research has been undertaken in the past it lacks the academic rigour that is required by governments to ensure bridge is taken seriously as an education tool.

Explore the most effective way to take bridge in to schools.

Undertake a robust and rigorous research project to prove that bridge helps children in various aspects of development – mental arithmetic, strategy, partnership, interpersonal skills etc…  Use this to persuade the government that bridge should be part of the national curriculum.   

Determine the most successful ways to promote bridge in universities and set up university bridge clubs.

Bridge And The Over 40s

Investigate and research – in partnership with a university or commercial organisation –the health benefits of bridge, and use this to promote the game amongst the over 40s.

Develop our education programmes:

• For teachers in clubs
• As an introduction for individuals online

Investigate ways to help clubs re-vitalise their activities and promote the game locally amongst non- players.

Use the above methods to encourage bridge teachers, partner teachers and learn and play clubs and club sections to encourage more people to take part in the game.

Bridge And Older People

Develop partnerships with organisations like the U3A, Help the Aged and others to create initiatives for older people to enjoy the benefits of bridge.

These are only some of the activities we could undertake to develop this great game of ours.  Most of them are inter-dependent.     

We are in a difficult position at the EBU, we lose members each year, and therefore it is impossible to make any investment in developing the game before we have developed the existing membership base. 

Only then can we truly investigate the exciting opportunities available to us.