The Williams Lake Curling Club is leaving no stone unturned instilling its next generation with a love of the sport.
The WLCC’s junior curling program currently runs Mondays from 3:30 to 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 5 to 6 p.m. where coaches Laura Ball and Brian Lahue aim to teach basic skills and curling strategy to its participants.
“They work on their skill levels so the kids are all able to throw designated shots like a draw, opposed to a take out,” Ball said.
“The first thing we do when they get started is work on balance, then work into making sure they have a solid delivery technique, and then continue on working on the skilled shots.”
This year’s session of the junior curling program started in November and runs until spring break in March.
And while the current group is too young to put together a competitive team to compete in the juvenile division (11 years and up), the team is working toward putting one together for next season.
Ball noted one of the challenges in the sport is attracting youth to the game.
“It’s hard,” she said. “We run a rocks and rinks program through the schools. It’s a simulated curling experience and they have rocks on wheels.”
From there, Ball said the club hopes they get an idea of what the sport is about, then, hopefully, get the schools to visit the WLCC.
“From there, we hope to get them to sign up for the after-school junior program,” Ball said.
As far as sporting costs go, Ball said curling is by far one of the cheapest sports to get into. The club supplies sliders, brooms and other equipment.
“All you’re required to have is clean, indoor runners and warm, stretchy clothes. Then, they’re off to the races.”
If anyone is interested in signing up for the junior program they can call the WLCC at 250-392-4636.