On 25–26 June, leaders from a dozen National Bridge Organisations (NBOs) and the European Bridge League gathered in Poznan for the Initiative’s fourth progress summit. Started in Dubrovnik in 2024, our pan‑European campaign is focused on one goal: welcoming a new generation to the tables by pooling ideas, resources, and passion.
In just two days we mapped out four flagship projects that will carry bridge into the next decade:
- Evidence for Schools – Backed by EU Erasmus funding, an independent research team will measure how Le Petit Bridge boosts youngsters’ social and cognitive skills. Hard data will arm every NBO with proof that bridge belongs in the classroom.
- BridgeKnowldgeHub – A living, multilingual hub where federations can upload and download teaching materials, marketing assets, grant templates, and success stories. The pilot site goes live this autumn and aims to become the first stop for anyone planning a development push.
- Kids Camps 2026 – Three festivals of cards and culture will run simultaneously in different corners of Europe next summer. Open to young players from across Europe, these camps will mix play, coaching, and city adventures—proving bridge is as social as it is intellectual.
- Re‑imagining Our Image – A cross‑border creative team will weave the freshest ideas—from TikTok reels to esports‑style broadcasts—into a toolkit any NBO can localise. The mission: show young people that bridge is modern, inclusive, and fun.
We were delighted to welcome Bronia Jenkins, Executive Director of the ACBL, who outlined parallel efforts in North America and pledged transatlantic cooperation. Current WBF & FFB President Franck Riehm, former WBF President José Damiani, Marek Malysa and members of the EBL Executive Committee added inspiration and practical know‑how drawn from decades of success in France and beyond.
Next stop: Utrecht, January 2026, for our fifth in‑person summit, with virtual check‑ins every quarter to keep momentum high. Whether you are a club manager, youth coach, or simply a bridge enthusiast, we invite you to plug into these projects, share your expertise, and help secure the future of the game we all love.
Johan Pieters