Mana Chess Club

♟️ About Mana Chess Club

Mana Chess Club is a young chess organization based in Outreau, Pas-de-Calais, France. Founded in May 2026, the club was created to promote chess through instruction, regular practice, competitive play, and activities for both children and adults. The club is affiliated with the Fédération Française des Échecs (FFE) under club code R62080. Its program is designed for beginners as well as established tournament players, with different membership options covering recreational chess, rapid competitions, classical rated events, and French team championships. Tatiana Peynaud serves as President of Mana Chess Club. The association is supported by coaches, volunteers, players, and families who are working to build a sustainable chess community in Outreau.

🏆 Tournaments & Competitive Chess

Mana Chess Club entered tournament organization soon after its creation. Its first major event is the 1er Open du Nouvel An – Mana Chess Club 2027, scheduled from January 1–3, 2027 at Salle Henri Blanpain in Outreau. The tournament is a six-round FIDE-rated classical Swiss played at 60 minutes plus a 30-second increment per move. It offers a published €600 prize fund, with additional awards for women, juniors, rating groups, and players from the Pas-de-Calais chess community. The event also reflects the club’s community-oriented approach. The organizer has announced that 10% of registration income will be donated to the Fondation Ronald McDonald, while food and refreshments will be available throughout the tournament. Fouzia Tahar-Chaouch is the arbiter and one of the principal tournament contacts. President Tatiana Peynaud is also listed as an organizer contact for the event.

🌱 Chess Training & Junior Development

Training is a central part of Mana Chess Club’s activity. The association offers chess instruction for children, adults, beginners, and competitive players, with courses adapted to different ages and playing levels. The club offers both Licence A and Licence B membership options through the French Chess Federation system. Licence A allows players to participate in official classical competitions and team championships, while Licence B provides an entry point for club activity and eligible faster-time-control events. Mana Chess Club also participates in regional adult interclubs and regional youth interclubs, creating a pathway from training sessions into official team competition. Regular club sessions are currently held several times each week, giving members opportunities for training, casual games, preparation, and competitive practice.

📚 Development & Community

Mana Chess Club was formally established in 2026 with the objective of developing and promoting chess in Outreau and the wider Boulogne-sur-Mer area. Its activities include initiation, training, competitive chess, tournament organization, and promotion of the game both inside and outside the club. Despite being a new organization, the club has already established an FFE affiliation, entered regional team competitions, developed a structured membership program, and launched its first FIDE-rated tournament. The association is also investing in its identity and infrastructure. Its current development initiatives include equipment for the club, clothing for players and volunteers, and resources designed to support its growing program. President Tatiana Peynaud leads these projects together with the club’s coaches, volunteers, players, and families. The 1er Open du Nouvel An 2027 represents an important early milestone for the organization and establishes Mana Chess Club as a new tournament organizer in the Pas-de-Calais chess community.