Joseph Hedges

I was born in 2010, in Surrey and I live with my parents, brother and sister in Weybridge.

I was first introduced to bridge in May 2023 when I went to a bridge camp in Shropshire. Soon after, I was invited to join the U16 England squad under the helm of Alan Shillitoe.

Since then, I have loved the game and have made many new friends across all nationalities and ages, both of which have been aided by my grandmother, who is also a bridge player, as well as many other people who have supported me in my bridge journey

The bridge community is wonderful community to be part of, and I am extremely grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent the U16 England team at the World Championships in Salsomaggiore in July 2025, where I won a bronze medal with my team mates: Sam Akayan, Aleks Blicharz and Wilf Marshall, with Stuart King being our NPC. Additionally, I was very proud to be recognised for fair play and sportsmanship by winning the U16 Joan Gerard award, nominated only by staff and players from other countries.

Bridge has helped me to in so many ways, improving my concentration, and enabling me to think more critically. I have seen a huge improvement in my mental stamina and my ability to stay calm and relaxed at the table.

Apart from bridge, I enjoy playing the piano, playing rugby, and skiing, and my favourite subjects are maths and physics. When I am older, I wish to study maths or economics at university but will of course never stop playing bridge.

Youth International Selections

Online Youth Team Championships: 2024 (U16)
World Youth Team Championships: 2025 (U16)