I'm the Yorkshire coordinator for Chess in Schools & Communities. I worked with Sam and he was a friend. Sam started with CSC in 2014. He has taught in many schools across Leeds/Bradford. He was a great teacher and passionate about teaching and chess. He made chess come alive for the children and is much missed.

For those unfamiliar with Sam's work Sam taught the 30 week curriculum  over the school year. Sam started teaching about the board and how the pawns move and capture. Sam taught mini-games like Capture The Flag so the children could enjoy and learn through play before knowing all the rules of chess. He carried on through the school year so at the end all the children were able to play a reasonable game. 

Sam helped plan and run the first CSC Leeds Summer Tournament last year - the children had a wonderful day with schools across Leeds coming. 

We also arranged a simul at Bramley St Peter's for the local MP Rachel Reeves - photo attached with Sam in the background! 

Sam loved teaching chess and we often said how fortunate we were to do what we do.  This academic year Sam was teaching in 7 schools. When I told the schools about Sam they said how much Sam would be missed by the children and adults alike. They said what a lovely man he was and that he had touched a lot of lives at the schools. I was asked to pass on their thoughts and best wishes to Sam's family.

Dan Staples