Successful Season for Future Leaders
This season Scottish Curling welcomed the first cohort of the new look Future Leaders programme. With the programme now complete for the season, we look back at a jam-packed schedule.
In October 2023, applications opened for those aged 14-18 years old’s who were interested in developing their leadership skills and play a part in shaping the future of curling in Scotland.
The successful applicants for Future Leaders 23/24 were:
| Amy Seftor | Edinburgh | Finlay Williams | Aberdeen | |
| Ben Rankin | Moray | Fraser Rankin | Moray | |
| Billy Pirrie | Stranraer | Holly Burke | Hamilton | |
| Callum Grant | Greenacres | Joe Lindsay | Forfar | |
| Carla Morris | Dumfries | Logan Hodge | Kelso | |
| Connor Boyd | Kinross | Megan Hutchison | Dumfries | |
| Elliot Cullerton | Edinburgh |
This season, Future Leaders has been supported by funding from Scottish Curling Trust who have an intention in supporting the next generation of the sport, both on and off the ice. Huge thanks must be paid to the Trust for their investment this season, without which, the programme would not have had such a high level of content.
British Curling Supplies has also been an important part in supporting the programme by providing custom jackets for all leaders.
Future Leaders came together on four occasions this season to learn, network and hear from others within the sport. This included training in “Working with Young People in Sport” and “Planning Effective Physical Activity Programmes”, both SCQF accredited modules delivered by Scottish Sports Futures. Additionally, a workshop on “Disability and Inclusion” was delivered by Scottish Disability Sport. The seasons content has allowed young people the opportunity to explore a variety of areas of curling and develop their leadership skills.
| Day 1 | Welcome, Guest Speakers and Future Leaders’ Perspective |
| Day 2 | Working with Young People in Sport delivered by Scottish Sports Futures |
| Day 3 | Planning Effective Physical Activity Programmes delivered by Scottish Sports Futures and Effective Communication workshop |
| Day 4 | Disability and Inclusion delivered by Scottish Disability Sport, social media exercise and programme conclusion |
Development Manager and Future Leaders programme leader, Catriona Morton, is thrilled with this years programme: “This season of Future Leaders has been a huge success, firstly receiving such a high number of high quality applications gave us confidence that we had created a programme that young people were excited to be a part of. The dedication and engagement from the young leaders throughout the season has been incredible and it has been a pleasure to see each one learn new things and grow as individuals.
Our aim of the Future Leaders is to help develop the next generation of curling leaders and this first year of the new programme has been a fantastic first step with the potential to grow the programme in years to come. We truly believe that young people have important voice as well as a place as leaders within the sport and hopefully Future Leaders can provide them with the tools to help them be passionate, confident and impactful leaders within the community.”
Plans are now underway to prepare for next season where it is hoped to welcome back this years cohort for a second year as well as welcome a new intake of budding young leaders.
More information about Future Leaders can be found here. Applications for the 24/25 season will open later this year.
