Building Community on the Ice: How St Andrews Curling Club is Growing the Game with East Fife Sports Council Support
At the heart of every thriving sports community lies a passion not only for competition but for inclusivity, camaraderie, and growth. Nowhere is this more evident than at St Andrews Curling Club, where a successful season has seen the club embrace innovation, accessibility, and outreach — all made possible through the vital support of East Fife Sports Council.
As the curling season draws to a close, the club took a moment to reflect on the impact of the funding they received. Thanks to a grant from East Fife Sports Council, St Andrews Curling Club was able to invest in essential equipment designed to support players of all abilities and ages. This investment has already begun to pay dividends in the club’s mission to foster greater participation and enthusiasm for curling in the St Andrews community and beyond.
Equipping for Inclusivity and Safety
With the funding, St Andrews Curling Club purchased a range of equipment including protective headwear, sliding soles, and an extendable delivery cue. While on the surface these may sound like simple purchases, their value to the club’s development has been transformative.
The protective headwear offers critical safety benefits for all players, particularly beginners who may be less steady on the ice. Safety is paramount in a sport played on a slippery surface, and these helmets have given new curlers, including younger members, peace of mind as they learn the game. Importantly, this equipment is not reserved for a few; it is made available to all members, ensuring that cost or experience level are no barriers to participation.
Sliding soles have also proven to be a game changer for newcomers. Traditionally, curling shoes can be an expensive upfront cost for those trying the sport for the first time. The addition of sliding soles allows beginners to get a true feel for delivering a stone without needing to invest in specialist footwear. This innovation opens the door to more casual players and those testing the waters before committing to the sport long-term.
Perhaps the most symbolic piece of equipment purchased is the extendable curling cue. This device enables players to deliver a curling stone from a standing position rather than sliding out from the hack, making the sport more accessible to older players and those with mobility challenges. It’s a testament to the club’s inclusive philosophy: curling should be a sport for everyone, regardless of age or ability.
Promoting the Club Beyond the Rink
Beyond equipment, the club’s development strategy has taken an energetic approach to outreach and visibility. A highlight of the season was a promotional day at Morrisons supermarket in St Andrews, where club members engaged directly with the public to raise awareness about curling and encourage new members to join.
“We wanted to bring curling into everyday spaces,” explained Jackie McQueen, the club secretary. “By setting up in Morrisons, we were able to talk to people who might never have thought of trying curling, and let them know it’s fun, social, and open to all.”
This event was just one part of a broader campaign that included floor curling demonstrations in local schools, come-and-try sessions at the rink, the distribution of posters and leaflets around the town, regular updates on Facebook, and a steady stream of word-of-mouth advocacy by members. Each effort shares the same goal: to demystify curling and present it as a welcoming, enjoyable activity for anyone interested.
A Growing Club with a Bright Future
The results of these initiatives have been encouraging. St Andrews Curling Club has welcomed new members throughout the season, building momentum that they hope will carry into the next. For many, joining the club isn’t just about sport — it’s about friendship, fitness, and belonging.
“We’ve been delighted to see new faces at every level,” McQueen shared. “Whether someone wants to play competitively or just enjoy a friendly game, there’s a place for them here.”
The season’s opening Bonspiel provided a perfect showcase of this community spirit, bringing together longstanding members and fresh recruits for a day of lighthearted competition and connection. The new equipment was on full display, supporting participants across the spectrum of age and experience.
Looking ahead, the club is committed to building on this progress. With each new member and each successful event, the foundation strengthens for a future where curling thrives as an integral part of the St Andrews sporting landscape.
Celebrating the Impact of Local Sports Funding
The story of St Andrews Curling Club is a powerful reminder of how local funding can catalyse meaningful change at the grassroots level. Every helmet, sliding sole, and delivery cue represents an opportunity — an invitation for someone to step onto the ice who might otherwise have been left watching from the sidelines.
As the club looks ahead to next season, there’s an unmistakable sense of optimism and purpose. With a growing membership, a welcoming environment, and equipment that supports players of all ages and abilities, St Andrews Curling Club is poised to continue its mission: promoting fun, friendship, and healthy competition on the ice.
Thanks to East Fife Sports Council, that mission is not just possible — it’s thriving.
For those interested in learning more or getting involved, keep an eye on St Andrews Curling Club’s social media pages for updates on future come-and-try events and club activities. Whether you’re an experienced curler or a complete beginner, you’ll find a warm welcome waiting at the rink.
