_Training Squad Membership Plans (2013)

Up-front and save 
or a convenient plan

The training squad is intended to be a serious commitment to chess. It involves a number of activities and lessons designed to rapidly improve your skills. 

We can arrange for your membership to be paid through a convenient weekly, or monthly, direct-debit. Membership runs from February to January each year.

Players may withdraw from the Training Squad at any time subject to 7 days written notice and in some cases a cancellation fee. No refunds will be given.

For most Squad Members this will replace the regular school club or afterschool club that you attend - most likely you're one of the better players in that class anyway and it's time to move on to the next challenge. The Training Squad is designed for serious chess players, ideally to those who are prepared to make a full-year (52 week) commitment.

Acceptance into a squad is based on our opinion of an applicant's current ability, positive attitude and future potential. Not all applicants will be offered a place in the Squad. No appeals will be considered, our decision is final.  A maximum of 12 players will be accepted in each squad. 

Your Training Squad Uniform must be worn to all Squad-Coached tournaments (weekenders, Aus Junior and State events).

Scholarships, grants and fundraising

For those families who require financial assistance to make this possible there are a number of options:

• There are Victalent grants of $500 through Sports Vic, they may or may not include chess. The contact details and guidelines are here: http://www.dpcd.vic.gov.au/home/grants/all-grants/victalent.
• Take a look at the Office for Youth website: http://www.dhs.vic.gov.au/about-the-department/funding,-grants-and-tenders.
• We are also negotiating for a scholarship fund to be setup through Kids Off The Kerb, we may not know the outcome of this until next year (one child was fully-paid for in 2012).
• Many local councils have "Distinguished Talent" or other such grants for individuals to cover travel or participation fees.
• Be creative! If you really want to do something, there is always a way to find the money!