The Rochester Curling Club welcomes young people 8 to 21 years old to our Juniors and Youth Program. Our club’s junior program gives instruction and coaching to all levels of interest.
We have three groups that are designed to be age and skill level appropriate: our youngest members are part of the Ice Chips, and they progress into the Ice Cubes program and finally to the Juniors/Teens program. Read on for more information about each program.
The Covid protocols that the club has adopted requires all participants to be fully vaccinated (includoing parents who just come to watch). Unfortunately, this means that only the teen group will be able to start this year.
Ice Chips
The Ice Chips program is designed for our youngest members, generally under 9 years old. Usually, these are children of adult members, but that is not required! We have special stones that are just the right weight for this group.
We teach the Ice Chips the fundamentals of the game and the skills required to play in an age-appropriate level. Skills are usually practiced on a half-sheet of ice.
Ice Cubes
As young players’ skill, age and desire for competition grows, so does their progression into this group. The Ice Cubes program generally runs from about 9 to 12 years old. Depending on skill and desire, some kids may join this group sooner, and stay with it longer – advancement is made on a case-by-case basis.
Here, the youth learn to throw regulation size rocks the full length of the sheet. More skill and accuracy, as well as competition, is praciticed. This age group will start to learn about bonspiels, and individuals are encouraged to participate in a few bonspiels during the course of the season.
Juniors/Teens
Our teens program includes curlers from about age 13 to 21. Instruction and skills development is geared toward the increased capabilities of these teens. Some of our juniors become quite competitive, participating in numerous bonspiels, while some play to enjoy the social aspects of the sport like many of our adult members. We strive to meet the youth where they are and develop individualized goals with them.
Practice Times
Juniors practice on Sunday mornings throughout the season, from October to April. The following practice times are typical but may be altered to accommodate bonspiels. (Notice of any schedule changes will be given in advance.)
- Regular Practice: Sunday 11:15am – 1:00pm, for junior curlers ages 10 and up
- Beginner Practice: Sunday 1:00pm – 2:00pm, for junior curlers under 10, and new player instruction
Contact Info
If you have any further questions, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
* A Junior is defined by the United States Curling Association as ages 14-21. A Youth is defined by the United States Curling Association as age 13 and under.