Send us a text For this episode, I invited Delores McCallum of Oakville Curling Club and Mississaugua Golf & Country Club and Patrick Brown of Uxbridge & District Curling Club to join me for a roundtable discussion of gender equity in youth curling programs. We talk about the state of our own curling programs, obstacles to equity, and ways to increase the participation of girls and female coaches. Some of the topics we discuss include: * The 2020 "Rally Report" that highlights the partic...
Feb 07, 2021•34 min•Season 1Ep. 40
Send us a text In January 2021, Curling Canada announced the winners of its first-ever Gender Equity Awards. One of those winners was Stephen Fish, who is the Little Rocks coordinator at Niagara Falls (Ont.) Curling Club. In this episode, Stephen joins me to talk about the project, which is "to put on a mentorship program featuring women mentor curlers working with girls ages 10-15 in the club’s Little Rocks program." Some of the topics we discuss include: * How Stephen's daughters noticed that ...
Jan 31, 2021•19 min•Season 1Ep. 39
Send us a text Matt Bean only started curling about five years ago, but in that short time, he (a) won a silver medal in Quebec's "Colts" competition, (b) earned his competition coach certification and (c) created the "Curling Class" Web site. In this episode, we have a wide-ranging discussion about his discovery and love of the sport, what he learned from being coached and playing competitively, and his goals as a curling coach and online content creator. Some of the topics we discuss include: ...
Jan 24, 2021•43 min•Season 1Ep. 38
Send us a text How do you promote curling when clubs are closed? In this episode, I talk with Abbie Darnley, Director of Events and Operations for Rock Solid Productions Inc. We discuss how her company is adapting to the new world of the pandemic and talk about the status of her U12 curling program at Stroud CC in Innisfil, ON. Some of the topics we discuss include: * RSP's new product, "Backyard Curling," and the trend of homemade outdoor curling rinks (1:56) * Changes to the Rocks & Rings ...
Jan 17, 2021•27 min•Season 1Ep. 37
Send us a text In this timely episode, Coach Glenn shares the origin story of East York Little Rocks' "December Party." He learns important lessons about listening to your parents and not being afraid to try new things. Near the end of the episode, we're visited by a very special guest (it's not Santa!) NOTE: The podcast is taking a holiday break. Our next episode is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 10, 2021. Happy New Year! Follow our podcast on Twitter: @kidscurling Glenn Gabriel is a...
Dec 20, 2020•6 min•Season 1Ep. 36
Send us a text Our series profiling youth curling programs continues. In this episode, I have a conversation with Greg Wilson, Junior Curling Convenor at the Brantford Golf & Country Club (ON). Some of the topics we discuss include: * The importance of FUN in his program and allowing his coaches the flexibility to change things when they aren't fun (7:01) * His experience coaching his three sons and his advice to parent coaches (10:10) * How he attracted new kids to his program (e.g., "Bring...
Dec 13, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 35
Send us a text On Dec. 21 & 22, 2020, the Ontario Curling Council (OCC) will be hosting a virtual "15 for 15's Athlete Series" of webinars targeted at the U15 age group. In this episode, I speak with two people involved with the series: Sean Turriff, OCC Education Manager (South) and Delores McCallum, Assistant Curling Professional at the Mississaugua Golf & Country Club. Sean Turriff Interview Highlights: * What is the "15 for 15's Athlete Series"? (1:40) * The team of coaches presentin...
Dec 06, 2020•36 min•Season 1Ep. 34
Send us a text Our series profiling youth curling programs continues. In this episode, I have a conversation with Chris Summers, Junior Program Coordinator at the Royal City Curling Club in New Westminster, BC. Some of the topics we discuss include: * Why he pays his junior coaches (7:07) * The difference between the recreational junior program and competitive teams (17:21) * Building a "working group" in BC to share youth curling program ideas (38:22) * Advice to new junior program coordinators...
Nov 29, 2020•48 min•Season 1Ep. 33
Send us a text This is the first in a series of profiles of youth curling programs. In this episode, I have a wide-ranging conversation with Lisa Rauliuk, Junior Program Coordinator at the Granite Curling Club of Seattle (WA, USA). Some of the topics we discuss include: * Why it's important to be flexible as a program organizer * Ideas to attract more youth to your curling program * Treating junior curlers as a club asset Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: Granite Curling Club of ...
Nov 22, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 32
Send us a text Coach Glenn has a bunch of coaching and curling books. In this episode, he'll take you through his curling bookshelf and tell you why some of them are important to him. Book List: The Double-Goal Coach (2003) by Jim Thompson The Joy of Coaching (1990) by Ed Lukowich, Eigel Ramsfjell & Bud Somerville Ken Watson On Curling (1950) by Ken Watson Smart Curling (2008) by Vera Pezer Curling For Dummies (2001) by Bob Weeks Mindset (2006) by Carol Dweck Igniting the Third Factor (2008)...
Nov 15, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 31
Send us a text In the third installment of our "Lesson Planning" series, Coach Glenn gives you tried-and-tested tips when it comes to putting together your weekly lesson plans. This week's Coaching Tidbit highlights the Gender Equity Campaign of Curling Canada and its recent partnership with Canadian Women & Sport that includes posters featuring two high-level female athletes. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: "Four Corners" game (aka "Tic Tac Curling" on the Scottish Curling...
Nov 08, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 30
Send us a text In the latest installment of our "Lesson Planning" series, Coach Glenn takes you on a tour of his Sunday Little Rocks practice . What are some of the program's priorities and how do they fit into weekly practices? Follow our podcast on Twitter: @kidscurling Glenn Gabriel is an NCCP-certified curling coach who lives in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He has been the coordinator of the Little Rocks (U12) program at East York Curling Club in Toronto since 2011. If you have a question or ...
Nov 01, 2020•12 min•Season 1Ep. 29
Send us a text In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn speaks with Eric McLoughlin of the Coaches Association of Ontario about a new Web site called "Safe Sport 101." It is "a new virtual resource hub for coaches focused on safety in sport." Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: Safe Sport 101 Web site https://safesport101.coachesontario.ca/ Coaches Association of Ontario Web site https://www.coachesontario.ca/ Follow our podcast on Twitter: @kidscurling Glenn G...
Oct 25, 2020•27 min•Season 1Ep. 28
Send us a text Lesson planning is a key skill for any youth program organizer. In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn highlights the need to set priorities for your youth program before you start writing individual practice plans. This episode will be a part of an ongoing "Lesson Planning" series in the coming months. Thanks to Coach Stephen Bruneau of the Brighton & District Curling Club for his feedback and for inspiring this episode! Follow our podcast on Twitter: @...
Oct 18, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 27
Send us a text In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn talks about (a) not running a Little Rocks program this season, (b) a recent webinar organized by the Ontario Curling Council and (c) the future of this podcast! Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: OCC "Youth Program Forum" Webinar recording (Oct 8/20) https://recordings.join.me/SWyh3CJsYkWbdS2C2KlCZQ Follow our podcast on Twitter: @kidscurling Glenn Gabriel is an NCCP-certified curling coach who lives in ...
Oct 11, 2020•7 min•Season 1Ep. 26
Send us a text So your Little Rocks program isn't running this season. What can you do to maintain the level of interest and engagement in the sport of curling for your kids? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn has a brainstorming session with Mike Gregotski of High Park Club in Toronto to come up with some outside-the-box solutions. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: Curling Canada YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/user/ccacurling Homan v. Englot 2...
Oct 04, 2020•32 min•Season 1Ep. 25
Send us a text Not all lessons need to happen on the ice! In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn gives you eight off-ice ideas for your Little Rocks practice. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we recommend a book written by a former captain in the United States Navy. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: FloorCurl iceless curling equipment https://floorcurl.com/ Sample Curling Canada video: "Two Minute Guide to the Sport of Curling" https://www.youtube.com/watc...
Sep 27, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 24
Send us a text What's in a name? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn argues that you should know the name of EVERY kid, parent, family member, volunteer and staff in your Little Rocks program. You'll also get tips and advice to help you remember! In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we'll recommend a new comedy series about an American football coach who moves to England for a completely different sport. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: Ted Lasso Web site ...
Sep 20, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 23
Send us a text In this COVID-19 era, Little Rocks/U12 coaches and program organizers are making tough decisions about their programs. In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn has a conversation with two youth curling coaches and organizers who are planning to run their program this season: Kevin Campbell and Damian De Shane-Gill of Dixie Curling Club in Mississauga, Ontario. Follow our podcast on Twitter: @kidscurling Glenn Gabriel is an NCCP-certified curling coach who live...
Sep 13, 2020•28 min•Season 1Ep. 22
Send us a text In a previous episode, we introduced you to the basics of Little Rocks or U12 bonspiels. Are you tempted to organize your own? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn tries to convince you NOT to do it. That said, if you decide to throw yourself in the bottomless pit of work, you'll get some tips to get started. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we'll highlight an interview with a curling star who shared what she loved most about being a Little Rocks curler a...
Sep 06, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 21
Send us a text Bonspiels are an important part of our sport and our age group is no different. In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn gives you the basics of Little Rocks/U12 bonspiels. What are they? Are your kids ready for them? And what do you need to consider as a program organizer? In an upcoming episode, I'll tackle the subject of organizing your own Little Rocks bonspiel (and try to convince you NOT to do it!) In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” I'll tell you about a ...
Aug 30, 2020•9 min•Season 1Ep. 20
Send us a text I will be a good sport I will respect people and property, on and off the ice If I make a mistake, I will tell someone No “put downs.” I will play fairly I will accept the consequences of my behaviour This is the "Fair Play Code of Youth Curling," written at the Vernon Curling Club in B.C. In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn reveals the Code's origin and talks about how he uses it to teach sportsmanship in his Little Rocks program. In this week's “Coachin...
Aug 23, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 19
Send us a text Kids love swag, right? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn shares the dirty little secret of swag and tells you how to make your swag purchases more effective for your program. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we tell you about a podcast episode that spotlights the influential "Rocks & Rings" kids curling program. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: “Myth police: Winning isn’t crucial for kids to have fun in sports” from Sciencebeta.com...
Aug 16, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 18
Send us a text Face it. You're going to make mistakes as a coach. But are you willing to reflect on those mistakes and learn lessons from them? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn talks about two past mistakes and the two different ways he handled each of them. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we'll pass along some information about a new game format called "Triples." Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: “Triples Format Incoming” story on Curling Canada We...
Aug 09, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 17
Send us a text Are you planning to coach Little Rocks curling next season? Are you new to coaching kids? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn goes in the time machine to give his younger self advice about coaching kids. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we tell you about a well-known curling manual and its author. Links to the resources mentioned in this episode: Bill's View of the World from Behind "A Pane in the Glass" (Bill Tschirhart's blog) https://truenorthbill.blo...
Aug 02, 2020•14 min•Season 1Ep. 16
Send us a text Last March, COVID-19 put a sudden end to the curling season and sports in general. Now, sports organizations are making "Return To Play" plans for later this year. In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn talks about Curling Canada's "Return To Play Guidelines" document and shares his concerns about re-opening his Little Rocks program this fall. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we highlight a youth football club in England that has done an amazing job of comm...
Jul 26, 2020•11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
Send us a text No one argues that sportsmanship is a lesson we need to teach our young athletes. But where do we start? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn gives you Lesson #1: Handshakes. Find out why we shake hands in curling. Know the elements of a proper handshake. And learn about the common "handshake faults" for kids. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we share news of a new video series where famous curlers will answer questions submitted by kids. Links to the res...
Jul 19, 2020•7 min•Season 1Ep. 14
Send us a text Birthdays are often a time for self-reflection. So in this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn shares three facts about himself in advance of the special day: 1. He was a late bloomer to curling, 2. He never wanted to coach kids, and 3. He's a proud Filipino-Canadian. How do those personal experiences shape his coaching today? In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we share a Web site and app that will provide your coaches a solid foundation when it comes to working w...
Jul 12, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Send us a text What does an "ELM Tree" have to do with curling? In this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn reveals what E.L.M. stands for and why it holds such a prominent place in his Little Rocks program. He also offers practical advice on how to implement a coaching philosophy into your youth curling program. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we recommend a game from 2004 with one of the most memorable finishes in curling history! Links to the resources mentioned in this ep...
Jul 05, 2020•8 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Send us a text Everyone agrees that safe movement on the ice is important. But in this week's episode of Coaching Kids Curling , Coach Glenn asks if we as coaches have deliberately made this a part of our weekly lesson plans. In this week's “Coaching Tidbit,” we recommend a Facebook group that makes learning curling strategy fun! Links to the resources mentioned in the episode: "Daily Curling Puzzle" Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/223478279030877/ Follow our podcast on Twitter: @...
Jun 28, 2020•10 min•Season 1Ep. 11
