Ieuan Foster

What do you think makes you a good coach?

I have a genuine love for teaching and working with children. I enjoy passing on knowledge and troubleshooting with students. I’m drawn to chess because it’s permanently progressive—it continually challenges my thinking and strengthens logical reasoning that transfers to other areas of life.

What are your key strengths?

Compassion and humility. If a child is struggling to learn or progress, I never judge—I appreciate the effort and meet them where they are. I strive to model kindness, patience, and understanding, the hallmarks of great teaching.

Why do you love Chess?

Chess offers endless improvement and constant learning. It pushes my brain in ways few activities do. Many consider chess “the perfect game”—centuries old and never fully mastered—which motivates me to keep progressing as far as I can.

When/how did you first learn to play?

I learned properly in early 2024, during a surge in chess’s popularity. I studied through online tutorials and high-level game breakdowns (including GothamChess), downloaded a chess app, and began my journey.

Why do you enjoy working with kids?

Kids are kind, authentic, and full of personality. I love discovering what makes each child unique—and I enjoy their sense of humour in every session.

What are your main Chess achievements?

From beginner to about 800 Elo within a few months (primarily 15-minute/rapid games), picking up the game quickly and building a strong foundation.

How do you think Chess helps kids?

Chess builds strategic thinking, planning, and the ability to think outside the box. It also develops life skills—clear thinking under pressure, patience, and resilience—that carry over to school and everyday situations.