Could You Help Another u3a Member Learn Bridge?

The successful u3a Online Beginners Bridge Programme urgently needs more volunteer Mentors.

Every year, many u3a members would love to learn Bridge but do not have access to local classes or experienced teachers. To help meet this need, the u3a Online Beginners Bridge Programme provides structured learning and supervised practice sessions using the RealBridge platform.

The programme is growing rapidly and we now need more experienced Bridge players to support our learners at the tables.

What Does a Mentor Do?

As a Mentor, you will sit at an online table with four learners during a weekly practice session. Your role is to encourage, guide and answer questions as they learn to bid and play.

You do not need to teach formal lessons or prepare presentations. Learners study the course material independently through the excellent No Fear Bridge resources. Your role is simply to help them put their learning into practice.

How Much Time Is Required?

· Approximately 2 hours per week most (not all) Tuesday afternoons

· One programme lasts 20 weeks

· Full guidance and support provided

· Weekly hand commentaries supplied in advance

We will help you become familiar with the technology and the online format.

Do I Need Teaching Experience?

No. You simply need:

· A sound understanding of basic Bridge

· Enthusiasm for the game

· Patience and encouragement for learners

· A willingness to share your experience

Why Volunteer?

Our current Mentors tell us they enjoy:

· Sharing their love of Bridge with fellow u3a members

· Seeing beginners gain confidence and enjoyment

· Meeting people from across the UK

· Building lasting friendships with learners and fellow Mentors

· Refreshing and strengthening their own Bridge knowledge

As leadership expert John C. Maxwell observed:

"You never really know something until you teach it to someone else."

Help Us Grow the Next Generation of Bridge Players

Bridge offers lifelong mental stimulation, friendship and enjoyment. By volunteering as a Mentor, you can help more u3a members discover this wonderful game.

We urgently need additional Mentors for upcoming programmes.

Interested?

Complete our Mentors/Coaching Form and a member of the Mentor team will contact you to discuss the role and answer any questions. You will also be invited to drop in to a session to see a mentor in action.

Please join us and help bring the joy of Bridge to more u3a members.

Previous text - to be removed 12 Jul 2026

MENTORING/COACHING WITH THE u3a BRIDGE GROUP

We are now on our fifth intake of u3a Beginners Bridge and we need keen Bridge players to sit at the table and help our members learn our wonderful game!

You don't need any teaching skills, just a keenness to help out.

The playing sessions are about 2 hours every Tuesday afternoon (40 weeks a year) and whilst it is not necessary to be available every week, we do require a reasonably regular commitment to attend. 

We teach ACOL 3 weak 2s, Red Suit Transfers, Stayman and Blackwood; you don’t need to be a expert top player in any of these topics as you'll be issued with full Bidding and Playing commentaries for every game the students play.

All of our Playing sessions are on the RealBridge playing platform; if you're not familiar with it, we'll arrange for you to go on the RealBridge Coaching (Mentors) course, which will give you the confidence to mentor/coach a group of four players at a table.

If you're interested in learning more then please fill-in our Mentors/Coaching Form

What Are the Rewards of Volunteering?

• Making a Difference: Volunteering lets you contribute to a cause you enjoy while helping others experience the joy of Bridge.

• Personal Growth: Volunteering can deepen your own understanding of Bridge. As the saying goes, "You never really know a subject until you teach it." Many of our Teacher-Mentors have found that teaching others helps them improve their own game.

• Access to Learning Materials: Mentors receive free access to No Fear Bridge materials and can study and play hands for free on Real Bridge.

• A Vibrant Community: Volunteers meet bi-monthly to discuss programmes, share ideas, debate options and engage in stimulating conversations. It's a great opportunity to be part of a supportive, lively network.

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