Boy's chess grandmaster dream after football injury

An 11-year-old who broke his arm playing football two years ago used his injury to find a new "obsession" - chess.

Charlie, from Whitchurch Hill in south Oxfordshire, was introduced to the game by his dad during his recovery.

He now competes nationally and for his county and dreams of becoming a grandmaster.

His mum Hannah told BBC Radio Oxford the the game had "really boosted" her son's confidence.

Following his football injury in 2023, Charlie was left unable to play sport whilst he recovered.

"My dad came up with the idea of me playing chess and I liked it," he said.

"I didn't actually know what chess was really, but I got obsessed pretty quickly."

"I just decided to do something using my brain instead of my foot."

Charlie said over time he "just got into the flow of the game" and "found a love for it".

"I love that you have to solve problems."

The 11-year-old recently competed nationally at the English Primary School Finals, where he represented Oxfordshire.

He won two games, and drew his third, helping the team come third overall.

Hannah said it was "really cool to see" Charlie playing, and loving, the age-old board game.

"He's always been really active and into football and loves sport, but I really like the fact that he's doing something else that's not traditional for kids to do, and does both at the same time," she said.

"I'm in awe of Charlie, because he has such patience - I mean if he tries to play me within about two minutes I've given up," she added.

In a full circle moment, Charlie now plays chess with and against his friends - including the one he said was responsible for his broken arm.

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