No stone unturned as Blackpool schools enjoy curling

The 10 competing teams descended on Blackpool Sixth aiming for the bullseye in this target-based indoor version of the sport.

Players from Marton, Park Community Academy, St Teresa’s, Devonshire, St Nicholas, Highfurlong, Westcliff and Anchorsholme went head to head in a series of matches over the best of five ends.

Young leaders from Blackpool Sixth worked alongside the team from Sport Blackpool to ensure the fixtures ran smoothly and the schools were kept up to date with the scores.

All of the children had lots of fun and loved seeing their teachers getting involved in some of the challenges.

The scores were very close going into the final round of fixtures, with six of the 10 teams still in with a chance of claiming the top spot.

Once the stones had been played for the final time, the children gathered to celebrate their efforts and achievements in a sport many were playing for the first time, and to say a huge thank you to the young leaders.

Every participant received a School Games New Age Kurling Award.

The two teams from Marton finished joint-first, meaning a very happy journey back to school.

Dave Rohman, Blackpool School Games Organiser, said: “New Age Kurling is a fantastic sport and this is an ideal time to bring it into Blackpool schools.

“We had varying ability levels and it was great to see the children helping each other and giving encouragement to their fellow competitors to make sure that everyone had fun.

“The event was part of the inclusive sport programme for Blackpool Schools and we are passionate about creating opportunities for all children that meet the needs of all ability levels.”