If you want to play competitive chess for Longbridge Chess Club, enter rated tournaments or receive an official chess rating, you may need membership of the English Chess Federation (ECF).
The ECF is the national governing body for chess in England. It manages the official ECF rating system and supports chess clubs, leagues and tournaments across the country.
Joining the ECF is straightforward, and you can complete the process online.
Do I Need ECF Membership?
If you want to play in official league matches or rated chess competitions, you should make sure you have the appropriate ECF membership.
The membership you need depends on the type of chess you want to play.
- Bronze: Generally suitable for local club matches, league chess and county competitions.
- Gold: Suitable for players who compete in local leagues as well as eligible open tournaments and congresses.
- Platinum: Includes Gold benefits plus a printed copy of the ECF Yearbook.
- Supporter: Intended primarily for online chess and does not include ratings for over-the-board games.
If you’re joining Longbridge Chess Club to play in our league teams, Bronze is generally the appropriate starting point. If you also intend to enter open tournaments, Gold may be the better option.
Always check the requirements of the particular competition before entering.
How Much Does ECF Membership Cost?
The following are the ECF’s published membership rates for 2026/27.
| Membership | Adult annual fee | Junior annual fee |
|---|---|---|
| Bronze | £22 | £9 |
| Gold | £38 | £16 |
| Platinum | £82 | £82 |
The ECF also offers free first-year Bronze or Gold membership to eligible juniors under 18 who have never been ECF members before. Eligible full-time students aged 18–25 who are new to the ECF can also receive free first-year Gold membership.
Check the official ECF website for the latest rates and eligibility conditions.
How to Sign Up for ECF Membership
Follow these steps to register.
Step 1: Visit the Official ECF Website
Go to the ECF’s membership page:
ECF Membership Rates and Joining Details
This page explains the membership options, prices and benefits.
Step 2: Choose Your Membership
Select the membership that suits your chess activities.
For most Longbridge members who want to play in local league matches, Bronze is a suitable option. Choose Gold if you also want membership that covers eligible open congresses and tournaments.
If you’re unsure which level you need, speak to Matt or your team captain before paying.
Step 3: Register Your Account
Follow the link on the ECF website to its membership registration portal.
Complete the registration details requested and choose the appropriate membership. Make sure your personal details are correct so that your membership and chess rating can be associated with you.
If you’re registering a child, create an account for the child rather than registering yourself as the player. Each child needs their own account and a unique username.
Step 4: Complete Your Membership
Follow the instructions to complete the checkout process.
If you’re eligible for free first-year junior or student membership, you must still complete the checkout process, even when the amount due is £0.
Once your membership is active, you can check your details and membership status through the ECF’s membership system.
Step 5: Let Your Team Captain Know
Once you’ve joined, let your Longbridge team captain know.
If you already have an ECF membership or rating, tell your captain so they can help check that your details are correct.
You can also look up your rating using the League Management System (LMS).
What If I Already Have an ECF Membership?
You don’t need to create another account if you’ve previously joined the ECF.
In the case of your membership expiring, you can simply renew it. If you have Bronze membership and want to enter eligible open congresses, you can upgrade to Gold.
If you’ve forgotten your username or password, contact the ECF office for help rather than creating a duplicate account.
Need Help?
If you’re unsure which membership you need, or you have questions about playing competitive chess for Longbridge, speak to Matt or your team captain.
You can also contact the ECF directly through its official website.
Ready to join?
Visit the official ECF membership page to check the current membership options and register online.
We look forward to seeing you represent Longbridge Chess Club at the board!