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.
Latest News
England U16 & U21 player returns to his Primary School to teach bridge
This week's blog features Ben Cadge, England Under 16 and Under 21 player as he returns to his Primary School to teach bridge. Ben started playing Minibridge in his Primary School, Boxgrove...
Next Generation Game Dates
The Generation Game, is a casual bridge event run by EBED on RealBridge. The next session will be held on Sunday 20th October, with future sessions on Sunday 17th November, Sunday 15th December...
2023 World Youth Teams Championships Blog
The 18th World Youth Teams Championships is taking place this week in Veldhoven, the Netherlands. England are represented by four youth teams: Under 16, Under 21, Under 26 and Under 26 Women...
European Youth Transnational Pairs Championships
The European Youth Transnational Pairs Championships in Veldhoven, concluded on Saturday 29th July. The 18th World Youth Teams Championships is taking place this week in the same venue. Members...
Charlie Bucknell Appointed Under 21 Squad Leader
We are pleased to announce that Charlie Bucknell has been appointed as Squad Leader for the Under 21 team. In addition, Stephen Kennedy has been appointed Coach for the Under 21 team, this is in...
Junior Summer Bridge Camp
EBED’s popular Junior Summer Bridge Camp will be held will be held from Friday 30th August to Sunday 1st September 2024 at King’s Park residential conference centre in Northampton. This is a...
Richard Croot appointed as CEO of EBED
The Trustees of English Bridge Education & Development (EBED) have appointed Richard Croot as the CEO of EBED. Richard will take up his duties on 1st September, replacing current CEO, Mark...
Bronze Medals at World Junior Transnational Championships
The World Junior Transnational Championships were held this week (13-18th July), in Wrocław, Poland. Congratulations to Dido Coley & Lily Kearney ( pictured, left) who finished 3rd in the final...