Youth programs at the Huntsville Curling Club get underway today, and the coaches are hoping to inspire a new generation to take up the sport for life.
The programs are affordable – just $50 for the season including use of equipment – and coach Chantelle Armstrong hopes that will be incentive for families to sign their kids up to try it out.
There are two programs available: Little Rocks for 6-11 year olds, and the more competitive Junior Curling program for youth under 18.
“We want to grow the program and get people interested in curling,” says Armstrong, who coaches the Junior program. “It’s a great sport and something you can carry on forever. What I love about curling is it’s not all about speed and power. There’s tons of strategy behind it. It’s kind of like a game of chess on ice. How you move the rocks can change the game completely. There’s a lot of problem solving and it’s a great aspect for kids to learn. I think kids just need to get out, get that one good shot and then they’re hooked for the rest of their life.”
Margaret Dollar is the coach for the Little Rocks, a program that provides skill development and is less structured than the older program, focusing instead on the fun and social aspect of the game. “Curling is a very social game,” says Dollar. “It’s the only sport I know where you shake hands with your opponent both before and after the game.” The program uses lighter rocks and half a sheet to encourage kids who may not be able to send the rock the full length.
Members at the Huntsville Curling Club range in age from six to 93, proof that curling truly is a lifelong sport. “I curled my whole life,” says Armstrong. “Starting very young, through the Little Rocks program, Junior program, college team, university team, then on with curling friends. When I moved to Huntsville, I joined the club and made some wonderful new friends. So I’m really hoping to push the Junior program and get those Juniors into learning that curling is so amazing. And as we grow the program, I want to work on that competitive part and maybe get a high school team or even get a Junior team that can represent the Huntsville Curling Club. There are a million junior bonspiels and even a Junior Olympics. That’s reaching for the stars, but why can’t we?”
Both Little Rocks and the Junior Curling program run Tuesdays from 5:00-6:15 p.m. from November 8 until March. Late registration or half-season registration are both accepted. For more information on the programs and to register, visit the links below.
Huntsville Curling Club Little Rocks program
Huntsville Curling Club Junior Curling program
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