History
Curling dates back about 400 years. It was first played on frozen lochs and rivers, but with the development of artificial ice rinks at the beginning of the 20th century, it moved indoors. It is believed to have been started in Scotland, but it has now spread all over the world to most parts of Europe, North America, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. The earliest stones were simply selected from a river bed, but today they are manufactured to a specific size and weight.

Facilities and Equipment Required
The prime requirement for playing is an ice rink, at least 46 metres long. There are between 25 and 30 ice rinks in England of this size, and many more in Scotland, including some just over the border from England. At the moment it is difficult to get time to play curling at English Ice Rinks but the English Curling Association is aiming to get things moving.

To play the sport requires curling stones, brushes and other fittings, but these are normally all be provided by the ice rink, or a club attached to the rink.  To get started that is needed are a pair of rubber-soled shoes, some loose-fitting trousers and a warm jersey. While the stones may appear to be heavy at 20kgs, they do not require to be lifted, simply slid along the ice, and even children as young as 12 are able to play.

Benefits of Participating
Curling is a good sport for all ages and there are many families who all play, including grandparents . It is possible for practically anyone to play in the same competition as World Champions and National Champions. You do not need to be fit to begin playing the sport, although to succeed some training will be necessary. There is a mental element to the sport also with a need to think ahead and plan strategy.

Variations of the Sport
Games are generally played between teams of four, but there are also competitions for pairs.