Boost for curling venues worldwide

Article posted by Coliseum, April 15^th, 2025

Image: Rider Levett Bucknall

A new initiative has been launched to improve the standard of curling facilities around the world.

Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) and World Academy of Sport’s (WAoS) Sustainable Venue Solutions (SVS) have successfully launched the World Curling Global Facilities Certification Programme (GFCP).

RLB said the GFCP is a strategic initiative with World Curling designed to foster the development of world class curling facilities.

It is aimed at further elevating the standard of curling facilities across the world by creating a global network of accredited venues that uphold excellence in operations, sustainability and inclusivity.

Facilities will be certified under three categories – Excellence Centre, Training Centre or a Recognised Facility.

RLB said this initiative helps venues enhance their operational capabilities, attract investment and contribute to the continued growth of curling on a global scale.

Recognising the vital role that sporting venues play in their communities, the World Curling CFCP encourages venue stakeholders to further deepen their community engagement, ensuring that curling facilities provide measurable social value beyond the sport itself.

Jonathan Edwards, General Manager of SVS and RLB National Head of Sports & Entertainment, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating on this certification process, ensuring that best practices and global standards are upheld.

“This truly international initiative unites venues worldwide in their commitment to operational excellence, staff development and sustainability goals. This milestone marks a significant step forward in strengthening the infrastructure of curling worldwide, fostering a more connected, high quality and community-driven sport.

“SVS is proud to be assisting the global sporting industry set such standards and will continue to help our global partners build a community across all sports that helps us all further recognise the contribution of the built environment and measure the true social value of sport holistically”

World Curling Board Director and Technical Commission Chair, David Sik said, “We are excited to launch the Global Facilities Certification Programme. We couldn’t have gotten to this point without our successful partnership with Sustainable Venue Solutions and the World Academy of Sport.

“Facilities are a fundamental aspect of our sport and this certification allows us to grow and develop that network while setting important standards for their operation. Becoming a Recognised Facility is the first step on a much larger journey. This certification brings the community of facility owners closer together and will provide them with vital support to ensure the stable foundation for our sport for years to come.”

Michael Cary from World Academy of Sport added, “With curling’s popularity growing globally – with an estimated 5,000 venues – the GFCP presents an opportunity for facilities to go beyond the sport and be a further part of the social and educational fabric of their local communities by delivery global educational programs through the World Curling Academy locally in their venues. This is a core output of our Global Sport Agora where sports and business meet.”

SVS is a joint venture by RLB and World Academy of Sport (WAoS) to assist world sporting bodies to support the sustainable growth of their sports globally.

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