The Strathmore and District Curling Club is bringing its junior curling program back and hopes to see even more smiling faces join in on the fun.
One of the program coordinators Lindsay McCutcheon explained the program is open for kids aged 8-18 and can hold a maximum of 64 people, as 32 could go in the novice category and the other 32 could go in the juvenile bantam age category.
McCutcheon wants to make curling accessible for all, so the price to enter is quite low. For $140 you get a full season from October to March of weekly practices, alongside several other benefits.
"We have a couple of pizza parties that we host for the kids to have fun at the end of the season and around Christmas time as well before they break for Christmas, They get pictures as part of their entry fee, and they also have apparel of some sort, usually hoodies that we give out to kids, that's all included in the entry fee," she said.
Throughout the season there will also be several bonspiels, which are curling tournaments where you play against other teams in other communities. These bonspiels offer the chance to put your skills to the test, as well as win some prizes.
While curling may not have the popularity of more common sports like hockey or basketball, McCutcheon says it's definitely worth trying. Beyond the benefits of learning a new and interesting sport, the curling community in Strathmore is quite tight-knit.
"It's a community builder for sure. It's a chance for people to come out and get to know other families who have similar interests. It's a chance to have some more one-on-one with kids, it's smaller groups, so I know that appeals to a lot of people."
Curling is also one of the more accessible sports out there, meaning most people will be able to join and play right away. Regardless of body type or other factors like speed or strength, curling offers everyone the chance to excel as it is less physically intensive and more a sport focused on refining technique. McCutcheon added that curling is also fantastic in teaching teamwork and independence, as you practice and play as a small team but you also practice many of the skills independently.
The deadline to register is October 6 and you can register at strathmorecurling.ca. Once the program hits its max capacity of 64 people registration will close, so McCutcheon hopes you sign up quickly so you're able to secure a spot.
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