The countdown to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics (in 2021) is on! And that has gotten me thinking about what type of spectator I’m going be once my Boca kid chooses a sport or athletic activity to participate in. I grew up in a ‘basketball family’ and witnessed firsthand how many games my own parents sat cheering in the bleachers for over the years. As a current cheerleading coach, there’s a good chance I may be the loudest mom in the stands!
Will my daughter pick swimming? Basketball? Tennis? Soccer? Golf? Dance? (Spoiler alert: we are currently loving ballet and jazz at Organic Movements!) Luckily, Boca Raton has several top quality sports programs for kids to join, and we’re here to help you (and them) narrow your search. Here are a few of my top picks!
Twister Gymnastics
You don’t need to take your child all the way to Japan for them to fall in love with the sport of gymnastics. All a parent has to do is sign them up for classes in Boca Raton or Coconut Creek at Twisters!
Whether you have a baby, toddler or elementary school child, Twisters Gymnastics has a class option for you. And there are so many great reasons to enroll them in this Olympic sport…even if they don’t end up competing in the 2032 games.
Soccer Shots South Palm Beach County
Looking for an engaging children’s soccer program with a focus on character development on and off the field? Soccer Shots (ages 2-8) is a good option for you! Their coaches go through an extensive training program to become certified and helicopter parents will be happy to find out they’ll receive a weekly summary of what their child is learning at practice each week.
You might not think a 2 year-old would pick up much at their games, but Soccer Shots’ developmentally engaging program was created under the guidance of childhood education specialists, professional soccer players and experienced and licensed soccer coaches. In my opinion, it’s never too early to start laying the positive foundation of teamwork!
Peter Blum YMCA Youth Sports
Whether your child wants to try basketball, soccer or volleyball, Boca’s Peter Blum YMCA offers them the chance to give it a shot—pun intended! While the Y typically offers additional sports, these options will be offered in fall 2021 with additional health and safety measures in place for children ranging in ages from 3-17. It’s a great program for kids to learn the fundamentals of sports!
C.O.B.R.A. (City of Boca Raton Athletics)
Do you think your child would make a killer flag football or volleyball player? How about a tee-ball prodigy? The C.O.B.R.A. and C.O.B.R.A. Minis programs (ages 3+) based at Sugar Sand Park make is easy for your child to try out several different athletic options through various leagues with only a seasonal commitment.
Current available sports include volleyball, flag football, t-ball and basketball. There are even adult leagues if you find yourself wanting to get in on the team sport action.
SABR (Soccer Association of Boca Raton)
Photo by Dominika Roseclay from Pexels
For more than 40 years, SABR has provided local kids (ages 4+) with the fun and excitement to play the world’s most popular game while learning all of the life lessons that can be gained from a team sport. SABR offers a variety of soccer programs, so players of all skill levels in Boca Raton have an opportunity to play at a level that best suits each individual.
Amazing Athletes
Did you know studies show structured physical activity helps develop the brain as well as the body? It also improves mood and lowers anxiety and stress. Amazing Athletes introduces the fundamentals and mechanics of 10 different sports in a non-competitive environment that help develop self-esteem, teamwork and healthy habits.
South County Regional Park has different class options available such as:
- Amazing Tots for kids 18 months – 2.5 years old
- The Amazing Athletes for kids 2.5-5 years old
- Amazing PE for kids 5-12 years old
Michelle Olson-Rogers is a mom of one and the founder of Modern Boca Mom, a lifestyle website for the stylish & modern South Florida Mommy. She can also be found on Instagram at @modernbocamom.
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