Sue Johnson

Sue received the Tom Bradley Award in 2024, presented for services to Education, this award from EBED recognizes those who have made a significant contribution to Youth Bridge, below is the citation for her award from London:

Sue’s dedication to youth bridge is well known. She is the founder of New Tricks Bridge. New Tricks have created a number of popular video series on YouTube for bridge players and they also run a ‘Bridge for Schools’ programme which aims to develop the next generation of young players by teaching the game and running clubs in schools.

What sets Sue apart from many others in the youth bridge world is the success that she has with really young players and the fact that she inspires so many girls to play bridge.  Many of those that she introduces to bridge are still at primary school but often progress quickly to compete very successfully in youth tournaments against much older players from the most well-known bridge playing schools.  Many of her young players progress to be coached with the England U16 squad.

Sue took twenty-six very young players (9-11 year olds) to the National Schools Championship in 2023 and a similar number this year. Her group of students is the largest single group participating in this event from any club or school.  In the 2024 competition two of her group were part of the team that won the Harry Scully cup, finishing ahead of the team from Eton.