The Chess SA Certification Programme

More Than Chess | Building Better Coaches | Developing Better Players.

The Chess SA Certification Programme is already making a significant impact and the best way to understand that impact is through the voices of those who experienced the training themselves.

Participants have shared how the programme has helped them improve their communication, better understand barriers to learning, use digital coaching tools more effectively, lead with positive control, and approach player development with greater structure and purpose.

These themes were brought to life during the Train the Trainers Coaching Workshop held in Bloemfontein, Free State, from 17 to 19 July 2026. The three-day programme brought together coaches, teachers, club leaders and chess enthusiasts from the Free State and Northern Cape, with a strong focus on practical coaching methodology, lesson planning, player development, communication and the effective use of modern training tools.

The workshop provided participants with an opportunity not only to strengthen their own coaching knowledge, but also to reflect on how they can create more structured, supportive and impactful learning environments within their schools, clubs and communities. The feedback shared by participants highlights the value of combining formal certification with practical, real-world coaching development.

Through initiatives such as this, Chess South Africa continues to build a stronger national coaching pathway and equip those working at grassroots level with the skills needed to develop the next generation of players.