Bridge is both a lot of fun and a fantastic education for young people, providing a unique combination of competition, co-operation and mental exercise. There are opportunities to learn the game at school, play at university, and in competitions (under 26s are considered Juniors in bridge).
Bridge for children and young people
Few things combine fun and learning as well as bridge. Schools appreciate it because it teaches useful skills: mathematics, cooperation, probability, concentration, memory, and more. Young people love the social opportunities of a bridge weekend or simply playing with friends. Competitive bridge is a joy at any age: every hand is different and once someone can play, they will never be bored again.
How can I or my child learn bridge?
Head over to the Bridge4Schools site for opportunities. This site has a special focus on Berkshire but also national information, with a list of bridge-playing schools, and details of three Junior bridge camps per year, in Autumn, Spring and Summer. You can also use our Find a teacher service, being sure to check the box for under 18.
Many counties have a youth officer who is the point of contact for local opportunities and these are listed here.
What competitions are available for young people?
There is an inter-schools competition called the Young Bridge Challenge; an inter-schools bridge league; a youth bridge Grand Prix online and at the junior bridge camps.
The Portland Bowl is a competition for universities and higher education institutions.
Young players are also welcome at our clubs and online bridge sessions - though for face to face sessions with those under 18 please check with the club beforehand to ensure conformance to safeguarding policies.
How can I support youth bridge?
English Bridge and Development is a charity supporting youth bridge and welcomes donations. For more direct support, New Tricks is a charity which teaches bridge in schools and needs funding to support teachers. Youth internationals need funding for the considerable expense of overseas events and you can support them here.
Social media & Community
Connect, Socialise and Share. Bridge is a unique mind sport, because of the social and partnership elements.
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