It's gearing up to be a busy season for the Guelph Curling Club as the club receives a sweeping number of inquires from new participants about joining its programs.
"We’re just happy to be having membership back in curling," said club general manager Kathy Brown.
“New curlers, they couldn’t do anything last winter, so they’re looking for something to do this winter."
In 2020, the club had a brief rush of action, operating for a total of 11 weeks for league play. Usually, the club would operate between 25 to 26 weeks.
“Last year we didn’t run our junior program or our adult learn to curl program, or rentals, or anything like that, we just kept it to members,” said Brown. “This year, we’re trying to get back to as normal as possible.”
Since opening earlier in September, Brown said league membership is on a roll with many leagues filling up quickly. This year, about 560 people are registered members at the Guelph Curling Club, 85 per cent of capacity.
Comparing this number to their pre-pandemic membership numbers of 650 people, Brown said 85 per cent is a good thing.
“We’re pretty happy about it,” she said. “I think it’s a pretty good number.”
When it comes to curling, Brown explains the sport is very controlled and can still operate under the public health and safety measures, including vaccination rules. The curling club is also a large space, which can aid social distancing.
“I feel people feel a sense of security coming into the club where they know that everyone is vaccinated,” she said, adding the club also released new health safety protocols, which were shared with league members.
Besides the safety aspect, Brown explains curling is an all-ages sport that doesn’t need much equipment for people to play.
“Once all the leagues get going, it’s good.”
Along with league play, programs like adult learn to curl will be starting again this November and the club is developing safety protocols to run university student and teacher leagues. For learn to curl, Brown mentions 20 adults have already signed up for learn to curl, which is a large group for this program.
She adds parents have also been reaching out to the club to learn more about its junior program, which also starts next month. The club will be releasing more information on their website about this program and upcoming try out days.
“Our board they have kids, and are working with kids out in the community, and they know for the mental health of the kids we need to get them in here, and doing it safely,” said Brown.
“They may not grow up to be the top-level curlers, but it’s just social, right? Everyone is suffering from that. So we can do our community part and get the kids back to a semi-normal life and safely.”
To learn more about the Guelph Curling Club, go to guelphcurlingclub.com.
