A PRESTIGIOUS national trophy has been added to the glittering collection of an Oldham chess club as they were voted Club of the Year 2014.
The 3Cs Chess Club, based in Lees, were singled out from entries nation wide to be named the best club in the country by the English Chess Federation (ECF).
The club, formed in 1978, is one of the only clubs to clinch the annual accolade for a second time after receiving it in 2006.
Presenting the award, Julian Clissold, an ECF board member, said: “This is not an award that is given lightly.
“The 3Cs were selected because they are very successful in a very difficult league and they have an outstanding programme for youngsters.
“They have also served the Manchester Chess Federation well over a number of years, providing many secretaries, treasurers and presidents to contribute to its success.”
Steve Rigby, president of the 3Cs, added: “I am extremely proud to accept this award on behalf of everyone.
“We are only a little town near Manchester but we have made our mark and long may we do that in the future.”
With members aged from just six years old to adults, the club is a hive for both social and competitive chess, and boasts players at local, regional and international levels.
This latest award joins an impressive list of trophies including 11 Division A titles in the last 13 years for the first team, with a 100 per cent record in 2015 to win the crown for a third year in a row.
The second team have also enjoyed an unblemished season to win Division B while the fifth team have won DivisionE.
The club has also enjoyed a clean sweep in the cup competitions, with the 3Cs5 winning the Milner trophy, the 3Cs3 clinching the Walituch Trophy and the 3Cs1 winning the Reyner Trophy.
Meanwhile, the juniors proved to be just as strong as they helped the Under 9s and Under 11s Oldham Town Teams qualified for the National Finals of the English Primary School’s Chess Tournament.
Phoebe Price, 18, from Greenfield, began playing aged five and has passed up the ranks at the club, representing them in the Manchester Chess Federation League as well as playing for England.
She explained: “My mum and dad ran a chess club at my primary school and I just wanted to join in. I get quite competitive but just really enjoy it.”
Talented Phoebe is one of scores of members who attend the weekly training sessions at St Edward’s RC Church to play, get guidance and learn from demonstrations.
She added: “The key is thinking ahead and watching what your opponent does. It’s not always about learning moves in a certain order.
She continued: “It’s really amazing to see so many children and young people – especially more and more girls – coming to play.”
The 3Cs Chess Club meet every Thursday at St Edward’s RC Church, Lees, at 7pm. Sessions are open to children aged 6 upwards who are in education in Oldham.
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