The English Junior Coaches and Organisers Association (EJCOA) National Youth Championships is an event which originated from several coaches recognising the need to improve standards across England in respect of junior chess. It was felt that there were not enough FIDE rated events for juniors to play in unless they are willing to travel to various parts of England on a weekly basis. The Championships were set up to provide further suitable competitions for children. Further details can be found at National Youth Championships.

Age group categories are as follows: U8, U10, U12, U14 , U16, U18, U20.

Juniors can qualify for the 2024 EJCOA National Youth Championships Finals in one of three ways:

• By winning their age section in a Zonal of the EJCOA National Youth Championships (one boy and one girl qualify from Under 8, U10, U12, U14, U16, U18 and U20 age groups). These zonals are taking place across the UK during April and May. List of EJCOA National Youth Championship Zonals.

There are currently 10 Southern Zonals running between 13th April and 25th May (the majority are around the London area).

• By rating. Any player with a published current minimum ECF or FIDE standard play rating (as below) is entitled to enter the EJCOA National Youth Championships:
  Under 8: 800
  Under 10: 1000
  Under 12: 1200
  Under 14: 1400
  Under 16: 1600
  Under 18: 1700
  Under 20: 1800

• Wild Card entries. These players will be invited by the EJCOA Selection Committee, based on a combination of:
  A) Performance in an EJCOA National Youth Championships Zonal
  B) Performance in other recent events.

Registration details can be found at Register for EJCOA National Youth Championships Zonal or National Finals.

The final will take place in Nottingham from July 5th to 7th 2024 (Friday – Sunday) and will be ECF graded as well as FIDE rated.