Youth Curling

Perhaps the greatest part of the game of curling is that anyone of any age can learn the game and compete, including youngsters. The Manotick Curling Center boasts an active Youth program, which allows children and young adults from the ages of 7 to 18 to participate. Our primary focus is to have fun, and teach fundamental skills, good sportsmanship, fair play and respect for the game and other players. 

Our Youth Program offers instruction and competition for all levels of skill, using Canadian Coaching Association/Canadian Curling Association certified instructors. We feel very strongly that teaching the basics in a proper manner will allow beginning curlers to enjoy the game even more. Virtually all of Canada's greatest curlers began their careers in a Youth Program, but even if you want to join as a social player, learning the ropes properly will allow you to have even more fun. 

Participating in Bonspiels (tournaments) is another important and exciting part of our Youth Program. Young people enjoy competing against curlers of similar ability from other clubs throughout the Ottawa Valley. We have enjoyed tremendous success at many bonspiels, but more importantly, bonspiels are always a lot of fun.

Our program is broken down as follows:

Little Rocks 7 - 12 years 

The Little Rock program is a non-competitive skills-based program where we stress fun, safety and good sportsmanship.  No prior curling experience is required to join the Little Rock program.

When:

The Little Rocks program runs each Sunday morning with two sessions.  The times will be announced once we understand the registration numbers.  All sessions are identical.  The program runs from late October through the end of March. 

When will I know which session I will be in:

In late September, the youth coordinator will contact all registered youth to ask for session preferences.  All attempts will be made to accommodate session preferences, although no promises can be made.

What equipment do I need:

The equipment required includes curling head protection and clean pair of indoor-only, rubber-soled sneakers.  Special curling shoes and a broom are optional. 

How are the lessons organized:

Each session contains a lesson and a game.  At the start of the season, the lesson is longer and gets shorter during the year as their skills improve.  Following the lesson is a game in which teams are picked at random. 

What about spiels:

We encourage the youth, after a month or two of practice, we encourage the youth, to enter into spiels at other clubs to get a chance to get to know other youth curling and fully experience curling.  We facilitate the signup and coordination of these teams. 

Cost:

For any questions on cost and registration, please download the registration form.

Bantam 13 - 18 years

The Bantam program is a non-competitive skills-based program where we help the youth hone their curling skills.  No prior curling experience is required to join the bantam program.

When:

The Bantam program runs each Sunday with one session.  Depending on the demand, we have the option to open a second session.  The program runs from late October through the end of March.  

When will I know which session I will be in:

In late September, the youth coordinator will contact all registered youth to ask for session preferences.  All attempts will be made to accommodate session preferences, although no promises can be made.

What equipment do I need:

At this level, we are working on tuning/teaching skills which require proper equipment to achieve.  As a result, the equipment required for Bantams includes a curling broom and curling shoes.  Curling head protection is highly recommended.

How are the lessons organized:

Each session contains a lesson and a game.  At the start of the season, the lesson is longer and gets shorter during the year as their skills improve.  Following the lesson is a game in which teams are picked at random. 

What about spiels:

At the Bantam age, the youth are expected to create and register their own team for spiels. 

Cost:

For any questions on cost and registration, please download the registration form.

Contacts