They are coming into the system at a younger and younger age. Say they start off at the age of 7. They come in all bright eyed and full of fight. They go out and compete and Internationally some show the promise of world class. This promise start to diminish from the age of 12. They begin to exit the system around 17/18. By this time they are more aware of how tough the journey can be and some would have made other choices.
It is my argument that should they exit, they would bring something positive with them. Some lesson from chess that would serve them a lifetime. When they exit, they should know how to set goals, understand sacrifice and be the stronger from their experience.
What is the evidence showing us? What happens to the players who enter our system? The very people that the chess community exist for and those that owe their job description benefit from?
The intense competition that comes from chess can bring forth two types of people. One who become the stronger from the competition and the other become disillusioned, beaten down, bitter and angry. Or worse...broken.
What is the end result of coming through our current system? Does it need changing? Who would be responsible for making the changes?
Tomorrow I will begin an analysis of where we can improve. Do join me. In the meantime, I will put up a post of our players in WYCC next. Have a good look at our young kids. Where will they be in a few years time? Remember them. Are they the sacrificial lambs to our egos and fears?
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