Strong interest in the new Association of Curling Professionals

When Curling Canada announced the formation of the Association of Curling Professionals (ACP) this past fall, no one was sure what the initial interest might be. But, the response has been extremely strong, which certainly bodes well for this exciting new initiative.

The ACP is dedicated to growing our sport by training and developing professionals to make key contributions at the club level. For example, ACP Club Pros will be adept at all aspects of curling club operations, including running first-class leagues, events, and entry-level instructional opportunities. ACP Teaching Pros, on the other hand, will specialize in offering high-quality lessons, clinics, and programs to curlers of all ages and abilities. 

“Since the ACP launched in late October, we have done dozens of consultations with interested clubs and individuals from across Canada,” said ACP Executive Director, Rob Krepps. “Based on these consultations, we are on track to exceed our initial targets both in terms of ACP partner clubs and professionals in-training, and to make a strong initial impact on our sport.”

Candidates will begin the Associate Pro accreditation process with a series of asynchronous online courses this spring and summer. Then in August, they will get together for an in-person training weekend in either Edmonton or Oakville, Ont., where they will learn from the ACP’s Founders Group and Staff. Their accreditation process will then wrap up with a learning portfolio project in September.

“I am excited to get started with my training and to learn from some of the most experienced leaders in our sport,” said and nine-time Brier skip and aspiring ACP professional Mike McEwen. “I am planning to start a teaching service based out of the Fort Rouge Curling Club in Winnipeg, and I feel that this training is exactly what I need to get set up for success.”

After completing their first accreditation, Associate Pros will have the opportunity to take the next step to become either a Club Pro or Teaching Pro. This process will begin with specialized online courses that will drop monthly over the 2024-25 season, continue with a second in-person weekend that April, and conclude with a final learning portfolio project in May.

“We have worked hard to put together a quality curriculum for all levels of our ACP training,” said Curling Canada’s Manager of Club Development and Membership Services, Bobby Ray. “While this training is bound to evolve over time, we are confident that our first Associate Pros, Club Pros, and Teaching Pros will be well prepared to make strong contributions to their clubs.”

To find out more about the ACP, or to arrange an initial consultation, please visit CurlingPro.ca