What’s the best sports academy for your child?

3 red flags you need to avoid

Hey Parents,

So, it’s time to start exploring your kids interests and talents. If sport is on your agenda, you’ll quickly find the kids sports academy market is overwhelming. With literally hundreds of options, it’s important to understand not all are created equal.

To help you make the right choice in finding a place where your child can develop their passion and skills, here’s 3 potential red flags you should be aware of…

1. AGE-APPROPRIATE CURRICULUM

Young children have unique physical, emotional, and cognitive needs. They are busy developing basic motor skills, coordination, and social skills. Choose a program that understands these developmental stages and has a curriculum to fit.

Kids aren’t mini adults. Programs should be developed specifically for your child’s developmental needs. Look for programs that focus on basic motor skill development, fun and engaging activities, and age-appropriate instruction.

• QUALIFIED COACHES

Coaches working with young children should be able to connect, engage and inspire. Qualifications don’t always mean quality but look for coaches that have expertise in early years development, as well as sports knowledge. 

A poor coach could put your child off activity for good. Look for personality, temperament, and empathy along with qualifications and experience at this age group. A great coach can have considerable impact on your child’s future participation!

• EMPHASIS ON FUN AND SKILL DEVELOPMENT

At this young age, all emphasis should be on encouraging a love for sports and physical activity. Look for programs that focus on skill development through fun games. Participation should always come before performance.

Sports academies that use terms like ‘elite’ at this age group should be avoided. ‘Winning’ shouldn’t be in our vocabulary yet. Sport at all levels should be fun. If your child isn’t smiling when they play, you’re in the wrong place…

Avoid these red flags to ensure your child’s first experiences of sport are positive and enjoyable. The power of sport and play on their physical, social and emotional development is huge. 

At Get Set Go Kids we are specialists in developing physical literacy in young children.

Follow us @getsetgokids or visit www.getsetgokids.com to find out more.

Even better, why not book a FREE trial session for your child today and change the way they play forever!

Let’s Get Into Sport together