‘More than a sports club’: Why Curveballs means so much to its members
As Edinburgh Curveballs prepare to host their annual Open Tournament as part of Leap Sports Festival Fortnight, we spoke with some of the club’s members about what makes the group so special.
The LGBTQ+ inclusive squash group welcomes players of all levels to its weekly sessions in Scotland’s capital.
One of the members, 30-year-old Sam Costelloe, played squash at university and returned to the sport after a long break.
He said: “I was lucky that I already had some squash skills that just had to be reawakened, so I wasn’t starting from scratch.
“I tried tennis as well, but I prefer squash because you don’t have to run and collect the ball all the time, and if you’re annoyed you can hit the ball as hard as possible to take out your frustration.”
When it came to searching for a squash club, Sam was keen to find an LGBTQ+ group.
He explained: “I’m always looking for less intimidating new environments to go into.
“If you’re going to start a new club, that’s already a scary prospect, so if you have one thing in common, that makes everything a little bit easier, I suppose.”
After enjoying squash with the Curveballs, Sam has since joined a second club, Dean Squash Club, where he competes in the club box leagues and East of Scotland leagues.
Holly McCoy is another player who enjoys being part of the Curveballs sessions, having recently joined the group.
After moving to Edinburgh from Australia, she was looking for new hobbies and challenges, and she came across a Curveballs flyer at a queer venue on Leith Walk.
Holly said: “Being accepted and finding like-minded people, allies, and safe environments to discover and be freely yourself is so important for anyone – especially for those in minority groups.
“Curveballs offers this opportunity, as well as a chance to be active, social and have a good laugh with new friends!
“It’s more than a sports club – it’s a socially aware, progressive, and proactive community and advocacy space.”
Holly has only played squash a handful of times – with the fast pace and cardio elements particularly appealing to her – but the 33-year-old’s lifelong love of sport has helped her to make lots of friends and memories over the years.
Looking ahead to this Saturday’s Curveballs Open Tournament and her future with the club, she would recommend it to anyone thinking about getting involved.
Holly said: “If you’re looking for an inclusive group of people to learn, test out, or develop your squash skills with – as well as meet some new friends and form part of a welcoming, well-connected LGBTQIA+ community, then look up Curveballs!
“I’ll see you courtside!”
