Skip to content

Horseshoe pitching sparks new interest in Sooke

Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Association already has 24 members and is still growing
8208583_web1_Horseshoecropped

Horseshoes is game that has been played for many years, but just this year has become a trending sport in Sooke.

The Sooke Horseshoe Pitching Association began last year, and has been gaining traction ever since.

“It’s an old sport, and we want to get those people who used to play out in their yard to come out and participate, as well as get young people involved,” said Chantal Wilson, association president.

She said the association has 24 members, and continues to grow. It has six 6 pits used for play, but hoping to get three more by next year in order to match the membership growth.

“Our original goal has been to get 12 pits so hopefully we will eventually. But we’ll have to do more fundraising because we can’t afford to have all 12 right now,” said Wilson.

The season usually runs from February to September, and features league games as well as tournaments for people to participate in. Tournaments generally cost $10 to $15 to enter, but are free for anyone under 18 to enter.

Wilson said tournament winners can win cash, gift cards as well as other prizes.

Memberships are open to anyone in the community and Wilson said that because this year’s season is almost over, everyone is welcome to come and participate for free. She hopes this will help get more people involved in the sport.

Tuesday mornings from 10 am to 12 pm are seniors day, Wednesday nights from 5:30 pm to 8 pm are league nights, and Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm are welcome to everyone.

“It’s a skill game, but it’s not hard on the body,” said Wilson. “I’ve played someone that was 86, and we have a member that’s around 75.”

To become a member of the horseshoe club costs $40 for everyone over the age of 18, which allows them to participate in as many games and practices as they choose. For anyone under the age of 18, a membership is free.

dawn.gibson@sookenewsmirror.com