Bridge is one of the world’s most popular mind sports and is officially recognised by the International Olympic Committee. Players are required to think creatively, visualise and problem solve.
But it is not all about competition. It’s about feeling connected as a part of the youth bridge community through making friends and having a great time!
Not just for the oldies
Bridge is often associated with older people, but many young people play. In bridge, “Youth” refers to players of ages up to and including the year they turn 25. Young people play every Wednesday night at an event held in Sydney, but there are also 140 clubs across NSW which welcome young players.
Youth discounts
Youth players can obtain an ABF player number for free by joining the ABF Youth Bridge Club. The application to join can be found here. Youth players are also entitled to half-price entry to all events, including congresses. (Congresses are open-invitation State-level events.)
Plenty of events are held across the state and country throughout the year.
Representing NSW…
Every year, Youth players face off for an opportunity to represent NSW at the annual Australian National Championships held in the winter school holidays. This face-off happens at the Youth Interstate Team Selection (YITS), which takes place during the Easter break every year. From there, a team is selected and everyone gets a subsidy from Bridge NSW and a cool sky blue jacket! If you love competition, socialising, and travelling, there is nothing better than representing NSW!
…and Australia!
Except perhaps representing Australia! Every year in January, held during Australian Youth Bridge Week, is the Australian Junior Team Selection. This event takes place in Canberra and is fantastic for meeting young bridge players from all over Australia and New Zealand. That’s right – even New Zealanders come and join the party. But why? They can’t play for Australia, can they? No, they can’t. But Aussie Youth Bridge Week is more than just competition. It’s jam packed full of fun activities such as bridge with funny rules, scavenger hunts, and barbeques. Contact Australian Youth Coordinator Laura Ginnan on youth@abf.com.au with any questions on how to get involved.
Youth Bridge Night
Come along to Youth Bridge Night at Sydney Bridge Club (Level 1, 162 Goulburn Street, Surry Hills). It’s on every Wednesday night at 6pm and is free and you get free dinner. You’ll make heaps of new friends and our passionate and experienced players will be more than happy to give you a helping hand, even if you have never played a card game before.
Learn more
To learn about the game, check out our Youth resources page.
You may also like to check out aussieyouthbridge.com for news about all things Australian youth.
We can’t wait to meet you!
