Dutch certification course leading to chess Trainer A is now offered to chess players abroad

In the last 15 yearsover 5,000 chess players in the Netherlandsdecided to improve their chess teaching skills.

The Step-by-Step method as we know it right now is based on the teaching material practiced and used by the

official chess trainers of the Royal Netherlands Chess Federation since 1978.In its current form itwas available

since 1986. It has been inprint as of 1988, and has since been perfected.

The Chess-in-schools system/ scholastic chess therefore has a long tradition in the Netherlands, and the

Government subsidises chess annually with substantial sums through the KNSB. The FIDE office resided

in Amsterdam until 1982. The KNSB was one of the founding members of FIDE in 1924. Max Euwe was

a Dutchman. He held the World title for two years (1935 - 37), and was a past President of FIDE.

The authors IM Cor van Wijgerden and educator Rob Brunia devisedthis course comprising six manualsfor

Chess Trainers, and six Work Books for children. Additional volumes have been printed, and other teaching

material is available for truly ambitious teachers and players alike. The authorsused the latest educational ideas

systematically in order to keep the attention of young chess players completely occupied.There are many more

books in the Dutch method allowing absolute beginners to become good to strong club players. The more talented

andambitious ones may proceed to master level, ably guided by the many available trainers on a one-on-one basis.

This tested method has now been translated into the major languages of FIDE: English, French and German.

It already has proved an outstanding success in Germany. We have now decided to give chess players with the

ambition to become a (semi-)professional in chess -not as a player but as a teacher, organiser and manager -

the opportunity they have been looking for. They need to take that important first step to be acknowledged by

their local school system:accreditation as a Youth Trainer. In the meantime, we are applying to FIDE, i.e. the

Trainers' Committee and the Chess-in-Schools Committee to havethe courseofficially approved for worldwide use.

With this aim, we are organising a certification course to be held from 17 through 30 December 2004 in the

northern province of Groningen, the Netherlands (next to the sea and not far from the German border). We offer

bed-and-breakfast as well asone hot mealduring the first eight days (until Christmas). We figure that players are

by then sufficiently acclamatisedso they can look after themselves. Thus: Just bed-and-breakfast for the last five days.

Language of instruction: English. Course books and materials will be sent to all participants 45 days before

commencement. This will allow them to become familiar with the formula through self study. There are altogether

11 lessons of about 3 hours each. Every participant is asked to give at least one lesson to local school children,

and another one on examination day. For those who have English as a second (or third) language, course materials

will be provided in either French or German at cost.

Cost of lodging, meals, lessons and examination: Euro 675 (about US$825).

Cost of travel to/from Groningen: at expense of the federation/ participant.

We have applied to our sponsors as well as to the authoritiesto subsidise this feeby some35%.

In first instance, this course is offered to chess players - preferably with some teaching skills -

whose federations are a member of the European Chess Union. If the course is not fully subscribed

by November 10, itwill beopened to players of other federations.

Minimum Elo (FIDE) should be 1,400 - although federations may request exemption.

This course is held under the auspices of our federation (KNSB) though its agent in Groningen,

the chess foundation SO-ON. All other arrangements are made by Kowloon Land Ltd.

The author IM Cor van Wijgerden will lead the course for at least six lessons.

If youor your federation would like to have more information, please send an E-mail to the undersigned.

Kaarlo Schepel - director and organiser

Kowloon Land Limited

c/o Villa Wadwerda

Wadwerderweg 89

9988SV Usquert, the Netherlands

Tel. ** 31-595-422738 (mob) ** 31-(0)6-1203.5677

E-mail or

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