Aldi Scotland has granted £2,500 to Gogar Park Young Curlers, an Edinburgh-based junior club, through its Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award. The funding celebrates Scotland's qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and will support essential equipment for young athletes. The club, which trained Olympic medallists Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, aims to boost participation ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics.
Aldi Scotland announced a £2,500 award to Gogar Park Young Curlers as part of a special one-off Champion’s Award under its Scottish Sport Fund. Launched to mark Scotland's return to the FIFA World Cup after 28 years, the initiative highlights clubs dedicated to nurturing young talent.
Founded in 1979, the Edinburgh club has about 70 members under 21, primarily from Edinburgh and the Lothians. It runs weekly Sunday sessions at Curl Edinburgh from September to March, supported by volunteers. Members compete in competitions across Scotland, from Under 12s to Under 21s leagues.
The funding will purchase sliding shoes, brushes, coaching aids, and team uniforms, making curling more accessible. Mihoko Pooley, a club member, stated: “This funding from Aldi Scotland will make a huge difference to our club and the young people who take part in our sessions. Curling can be difficult to access without the right equipment, so being able to provide shoes, brushes and uniforms will help us welcome more children and give them the best possible start.”
The club boasts a strong history of elite development. Former members Bruce Mouat and Jennifer Dodds, Edinburgh-born Olympians, trained there and secured gold and silver at Beijing 2022. They will represent Team GB at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Pooley added: “With the Winter Olympics coming up in 2026, there is a real buzz around curling just now. This support will help us build on that excitement, grow participation and continue our proud history of developing young curlers.”
Sandy Mitchell, Aldi Scotland's Regional Managing Director, commented: “Scotland’s qualification for the 2026 World Cup was a huge moment for the nation, and we wanted to celebrate that success by giving something back through our Scottish Sport Fund. The Scottish Sport Fund Champion’s Award recognises clubs that go above and beyond to support young people, and Gogar Park Young Curlers is a fantastic example of that commitment.”
Since 2016, Aldi Scotland's fund has aided over 650 clubs with more than £500,000, promoting grassroots sports access for all ages and abilities.
