Ayrshire goes Curling
16th February 2026
New opportunities
Just as curling fever sweeps the nation courtesy of the Winter Olympics and Paralympics (c'mon Team Mouat and Jo and Jason!), LEAP Sports has been creating its own excitement on the ice in Ayrshire.
We have just completed another short introductory curling course for LGBTIQ+ participants, this time bringing the action to the west coast as part of Out and About in Ayrshire. With the fantastic support of the team at Scottish Curling, our newest group of graduates are already planning their next steps on the ice. From booking improvers’ sessions to setting their sights on joining gateway clubs next season, the momentum is well and truly building. Four participants have already been invited along to improver sessions at Greenacres Curling Club to continue developing their skills.
For some participants, the course offered a chance not only to try a new sport but also to connect with other LGBTIQ+ people locally.
“There’s not much here in the way of a gay scene so it’s not always easy to meet other LGBT people. I’d always wanted to try curling, and with the Winter Olympics coming up I wanted to understand the sport more. I was really glad to find this opportunity.”
Any nerves about stepping onto the ice quickly disappeared thanks to the welcoming and supportive atmosphere of the sessions.
“Everyone was so supportive, encouraging and welcoming, and the coaches were brilliant. I was apprehensive at first, but after the first session I was excited to get back and try again.”
Alongside learning the basics of delivering stones and sweeping, the course also gave participants the chance to meet new people, spend time being active in the evenings and build confidence trying something different irrespective of age.
"Approaching 60 years of age I was delighted to realise that curling is a sport which I feel comfortable in participating both mentally and physically".
“I wouldn’t call myself sporty, but it felt nice to try something new and be active without feeling like I did when I was younger. It turns out I’m quite competitive!”
The experience has even changed how participants think about the sport.
“Now I understand the rules and the lingo, I’ve been glued to the Olympic coverage. It’s so much fun and really is for everyone.”
We’re already planning the next steps in Ayrshire, with floor curling sessions in the works for the summer. These sessions are a great way to stay involved between seasons and offer a welcoming introduction for anyone who prefers to learn off-ice first.
Thinking about giving it a go?
Email us at info@leapsports.org to stay up to date with summer sessions or to find your nearest opportunity to try curling with LEAP.
