A Junior Curler's Wishlist for the Post-Pandemic

In about a month's time I'll finally be able to dust off my curling shoes for the first time in what seems an eternity. Don't get me wrong; I honestly enjoyed my break, but I definitely didn't anticipate it to last a year and seven months. We definitely did not have any shortage of curling come February. Some people would argue that the many bubbles and events held during this pandemic weren't absolutely essential, but I will say that I have noticed myself to be much happier, more motivated, and less stressed (until one of my favourite teams makes a final that is)! I am so thankful to be able to continue to experience the wonders of the sport I fell in love with roughly nine years ago, to be able to make so much memories, and to look up to some of the nicest, most inspiring, successful, and most dedicated athletes I have ever witnessed.

But as the summer heat continues to roll on, I find myself waiting to experience the everyday sights/experiences of our sport: to hear the crisp collision of rocks, the scratching friction of brush pads, the yells of future rockstars, and the laughs from teammates after making an accidental double angle runback that you didn't even know was there.

Here are some of the things I hope come true this inaugural season as a junior, both on the ice and as a fan.

"Needs":

• More practice ice! I'd love to see more rinks cater to the younger generation especially coming out of a pandemic. Juniors are often the most competitive and competition-hungry curlers a club can have! It's hard to consider yourself a competitive curler when you only have access to 2 hours of ice a week. It's great that so many clubs are full in membership, so if it means that I'll have to play with the Sinners or the afternoon social league, so be it!
• Meaningful practices! Along with more practice ice, I'd love to leave every single practice feeling more motivated than ever and feeling like I've achieved something, or at least contributed to future success. Sure, it can be great to play scrimmages, which often times can be fun, but if I'm asked to play so many different shots without preparation, there's no way I can feel confident or consistent.
• More coaching! As someone who does not have generational curling heritage in my blood, it can be hard to find coaching, let alone qualified coaches. Many teams out there have found great experienced coaches, with many of them being a parent. I'd love for there to more coaching resources available so that if my team can't find someone suitable, we can at least attempt to take matters into our own hands.
• More diversity! Coming from a background that wouldn't fit your 'typical' Canadian curler, I'd love to see more kids, or just people in general partake in our great sport. I think the circumstances of curling are wonderful: the sport itself feels very inclusive and open to anybody of any age and ability. One of the things that attracted me to curling is the spirit of the game. I'm lucky enough to have found other people from different backgrounds and to be have the opportunity to share my favourite sport with people from all walks of life. I have had great, positive experiences with the game and the players, but we can still do much more to truly make curling a more inclusive and diverse sport.
• More innovative opportunities for competition (especially for those younger than U-18)! Even living in the largest curling province has brought a feeling of a lack of competition. Going to bonspiels all year is great and all, but if we can figure out a way to allow juniors to play more events that are like the World Curling Tour, I think we can seriously ramp up competition and motivation among younger curlers. I believe this would further stimulate talent as it would introduce a more elite approach to the sport at a younger-than-normal age. It seems that less than 1% of junior teams can breakthrough to the adult ranks, and spiels where you only play three games max within 24 hours cannot effectively simulate the motivation and intensity needed to excel at an elite level.
• More virtual opportunities! Yes, I said virtual! I think one benefit of lockdown was the opportunity to engage in more camps and youth-centered events. Prior to 2020, I was not able to attend numerous events due to them being too far away from home, too costly, or a mix of the two. Even retaining more information sessions for components of the game like strategy would be beneficial to so many curlers who would not have access to such resources in normal times. In reality, in-person camps can and are often more beneficial than remote ones, but resources for the intangibles of  the game (think strategy, ice mapping, matching stones, etc.) need to be more accessible for youth who cannot sign up for a 5-day overnight camp hours away from home, and for those who cannot afford a major dent in the college fund.

Anybody else brush up on their virtual curling skills?

"Nice To Haves":

• Win a spiel! 'Cause why not?
• Hit the pin during the LSD! It's not like we're drawing the pin during the entire game anyway.
• Make some ridiculous shot to win a game/end! Who doesn't love Cirque Du Soleil?
• Travel somewhere I've never played before! I just remembered travelling was a thing.
• Attend/volunteer at at least one event this season! It's about time I see some live, in the flesh curling (and maybe give back if I can)!
• Cheer my favourite teams to an Olympic medal! Because it's nice to see the people you love be successful at the sport's pinnacle event. Talk about motivation/inspiration! 

This is my wishlist as a junior curler for this upcoming season. Of course I could add so many other nice things, but what else would you add?

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