When people watch curling on television during major championships or the Olympic Games, they usually see experienced athletes competing at the highest level of the sport. What is often less visible is the long journey that brought these players there. Behind every successful curler stands years of learning, training, and development that began during their junior years.
Junior curling plays a crucial role in the future of the sport. It is where young athletes learn the technical and tactical aspects of the game, build their passion for competition, and discover what it means to be part of a team. But the importance of junior curling goes far beyond athletic development.
For many young people, curling becomes a school for life.
Through training sessions, competitions, and international tournaments, junior curlers gain experiences that shape their character and help them develop important life skills. These experiences stay with them long after their playing careers end.
In this way, junior curling does not only create better athletes—it also helps create stronger individuals and a stronger community.
From 3 to 6 September 2026, the city of Baden in Switzerland will once again become a meeting point for the international junior curling elite. The second edition of the EJCT Baden Tournament is set to bring together some of the most promising young curling talents from across Europe and beyond — and applications (Link) are now officially open for competitive junior teams wishing to secure a place in the field.
With limited spots available, ambitious teams are invited to apply early and showcase their achievements as they compete for selection in one of the most exciting junior curling events on the international calendar.
The European Junior Curling Tour (EJCT) tournament was held in Baden for the first time – and the premiere was a resounding success. High-class games, fair competition and an enthusiastic crowd made the weekend at the Baden-Dättwil curling hall a special highlight in international U21 junior curling. Ten teams in the women's and men's competitions played many exciting games.
Fair play is one of the most beautiful aspects of sport – and it is particularly deeply rooted in curling. Anyone who has ever experienced a curling tournament knows that it is not just about winning, but also about respect, honesty and the famous spirit of curling.
That's exactly why the EJCT Baden has created the Fair Play Award. What makes this award even more special is that it is not presented by Empires or a jury, but by the players themselves. Those who receive the award therefore enjoy the highest form of recognition: the respect of their colleagues.
It is fitting that the Fair Play Award 2025 is supported by Sportpat.ch. Like no other partner, Sportpat.ch embodies the values that define sport: fairness, respect and the honest promotion of athletes.