What is Universal Membership?

On 1 April 2010, the English Bridge Union will be initiating the exciting and historic process of Universal Membership through Pay to Play to bring our organisation and the game it represents into the 21st Century. It is the first stage in our programme to develop and grow duplicate bridge and to modernise England’s national bridge organisation.

This process is the result of over two years consultation with thousands of bridge players – members and non-members alike – and our affiliated clubs and regional network of counties.

The EBU is funded by members for members and the development of duplicate bridge. The new era will be supported by a streamlined EBU which continues to address its own management through efficiencies, modernisation and reform.

With Universal Membership, the EBU are in a much better position to:

• Help our clubs and the game to thrive
• Provide a stronger voice for duplicate bridge at local and government level
• Train teachers and tournament directors
• Provide education programmes for adults and young people
• Provide security for players in playing the game
• Safeguard the future of bridge

Costs

Universal Membership costs the following:

• Club Affiliation fee: £30
  • Direct Debit Discount of £2 per statement
• Direct membership £23+ county affiliation fee paid directly to county
• Members via affiliated clubs – no cost
  • Will receive the EBU magazine and diary after 12 plays in the club or 12 sessions of an EBU National Tournament, or a mixture of both. No county tournaments contribute to this requirement.

English Bridge Union
30 March 2010

Notes:

• View full press release on Universal Membership
• View interviews with bridge players
• View Media section on Universal Membership