Last week, something quietly powerful happened at the Clackmannanshire Chess Club.
We welcomed a visiting chess player from Ukraine, Volodymyr Tushynskyi, now living in Scotland and playing with Dunfermline Chess Club.
On the surface, it was simply a club night with a guest player.
In reality, it was a reminder of how culture, learning, and humanity can travel — even in the hardest of times.
Volodymyr comes from a country living through war and ongoing uncertainty, yet here he is, still committed to teaching, learning, and connection.
Despite English not yet being his first language, he is already running chess classes and supporting players’ development through the game.
His belief is clear: chess should grow in Scotland, and it should support both the mind and wellbeing of those who play it.
During his visit, Volodymyr sat down to play a young member of the club — but not in the usual way.
With his back turned to the board, he played the entire game from memory alone.
Move by move, he held the board in his mind, responding calmly and precisely.
For the child across from him, it was both astonishing and inspiring — a moment that showed what focus, patience, and deep learning can make possible.
It was also a moment that showed how chess becomes a shared language.
No elaborate explanations were needed. Just trust, curiosity, and respect across generations.
As Luke Evans, one of the four people currently leading the Clackmannanshire Chess Club, reflected: “Chess has a way of removing barriers.
"You don’t need the same background, age, or even the same language.
"Once the board is set, you meet as equals.”
Chess has a long history in Clackmannanshire, but our current club is relatively young, having formed just over a year and a half ago.
In that time, we’ve tested ideas, learned what works, and shaped a clearer direction.
Alongside Luke and Glen Wilson, two new drivers have now joined the leadership team — Lesley Sweeney and myself — strengthening our ability to support both competitive play and community wellbeing.
Looking ahead, Volodymyr - an Arena Grandmaster, a recognised competitive chess title - has offered to take part in a simultaneous match event — where he will play multiple players at once — which we’re now working to organise and open up to the wider chess community.
Alongside this, we’re growing our league presence, developing young players, refreshing our branding, and building a culture that balances friendly competition with care.
Because chess is more than a game. It’s a way of thinking, connecting, and sometimes, finding calm in a complicated world.
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