Successful Camp at Braehead

Braehead’s second annual curling camp was held during this month's school break and attracted a total of thirteen youngsters between 11 and 14 years old. The children were from as far apart as Hamilton and Greenock, and also included two who were trying curling for the first time.

Local coaches Meta Eccleston, Robbie Stewart and Liz Paul assisted CDO David Horne to provide a fun filled three days, with time to focus on certain aspects of each young curler's delivery.

The children were split into four teams, for on- and off-ice activities, including ice breaking sessions and a fun quiz.

The complete beginners were taught all the basics of curling and by the third day were sliding down the ice and delivering curling stones full length. The more experienced youngsters were able to work on their delivery , sweeping and weight control skills.

The on ice sessions were from 10am to 12 noon and then 1pm to 3pm each day and covered a wide range of coaching by the qualified coaches and each camper also had their slide filmed, using equipment supplied by The Braehead Development Group and were then able to watch the playback on the TV screen in the Braehead Bar. Fun games were played during the camp as well as several full length games. The improvement over the three days by all the children was quite dramatic.

At the end of the last day the winning team of the three day curling competition received certificates but every child who came along received fun gifts. The parents were full of praise for the venture.

Back Row: Stuart Anderson, Julie Wight, Angus Shearer, Jill Strang, Mairi MacDonald, Laura Wight, Heather MacDonald.
Middle Row: Coach Robbie Stewart, Ewan Polea, Lucy Fleming.
Front Row: Ann Fleming, Jamie Wilson, Victoria Wilson, Megan MacDonald.

Thanks to David Horne for the report and photo. And a well done to all involved!

Braehead Plans Curling Camp

David Horne, Braehead's Curling Development Officer, has been in touch to tell me about a curling camp planned for the October school holiday week.

Braehead Curling Rink will host the Camp between Monday October 11 and Wednesday October 13, 9.30am and 3pm each day.

One teenager, Stuart Cannell, 13, from Renfrew, is encouraging young people to give curling a try. Stuart himself has been curling for four years and says, “It’s great fun and you get to meet lots of people from different places when you play. It’s a young person’s sport and a lot of people my age play curling. I would say that young people should come along to the Curling Camp and give it a try. They might find that they like curling just as much as I do.”

The three-day Braehead Curling Camp is open to youngsters between 10 and 16 and costs £60.

The young people taking part will receive curling lessons from qualified coaches and also get the chance to play in a special tournament on the final day with certificates and prizes. Campers should bring their own packed lunch and wear a pair of clean trainers with soles that have a good grip and wear loose-fitting trousers – not jeans – and a warm jumper!

The details are online here. To book a place at the Curling Camp, call 0141 885 4611. You can also enrol by visiting the Curling Office at Braehead between 9am and 6pm, Monday to Friday.

Sounds fun, and a great idea. May I ask anyone reading this in the Glasgow/Renfrewshire area in particular to spread the word!

Top photo of coaching at the Braehead Rink is courtesy of David Horne