Hi. My name is Gavin and I am a chess coach living in Margate, Kent.
I work with pupils in schools and do one to one coaching. I can help someone if they are
a beginner, or want to improve, or have learning difficulties and want the holistic benefits
that chess can provide.
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In my family I have two nephews on the autistic spectrum. They are lovely young men who are
creative and sensitive, and while they dont want to learn chess,
they have other life-enhancing interests.
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​My dad taught me chess when I was 7 years old when we were living in South Africa, for which I am very grateful. It felt like chess was a form of enjoyment and security in an uncertain world. And as a somewhat sensitive child, the structure and joy of the game gave me a lot.
I started playing competitions from the age of 11 and became a strong young player, playing in the London league and for Middlesex. I also entered the British under 16 championships in Ayr.
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I find that now , chess is a wonderful source of enjoyment, creativity and relaxation, and it exercises my brain which I know is good for me.
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Below is a recent photo of me playing my dad, in a friendly game.
:-)
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When I was 23 in 1987, I got a BA Honours (2:2) from Middlesex Polytechnic,
in Psychology and American History. And 10 years later in 1997
I qualified as a psychiatric nurse. I have loved helping people, whether younger or older.
I feel that my unique contribution as a chess coach is my love of helping others, combined with the love of the game. My 'super-powers' are empathy and intuition, which work well when finding out how best to help someone; I am whats called an intuitive empath.
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"Watching them play with Gavin was lovely to see. All the children loved learning the game but that was secondary; with Gavin, they showed their best selves. He listened and followed their cues and they responded so that lovely conversations sprung up. I could tell that they felt safe and heard and also special. Soon, the buzz got around Year 5. Children were begging me if they could do chess with Gavin! I gave him one of the 'good' kids who always does the right thing, as he was desperate. I gave him another child whose confidence is low - his mum has told me that this child is playing at home and that it has positively affected all aspects of his life. She wanted to personally thank him (and to employ him out of school). In Gavin's absence, children have been asking when he will return" - Head of year five in a local primary school.
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Recently I was awarded this certificate from a weekends course which I found very useful.
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Do get in touch if you are interested to grow as a chess player, of if you have a question.
And if you know a child who is on the learning spectrum, it is possible that chess can benefit them significantly.
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2 - 07888-824-721
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Best wishes
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Gavin
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