Should Your Child Join A Club?

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There are lots of clubs out there aimed at kids. Getting your child involved in a club could be a great way for them to meet new friends, build new skills and develop new passions. Of course, there are several things to consider when getting your child involved in a club. This guide offers a few important tips.

 

Choose the right activity

Clubs tend to center around particular activities. Popular examples include football, ballet, martial arts, swimming, scouts/guides, drama, choirs, arts & crafts and gymnastics.

You should think about what types of activities your child is into. It’s best to try and follow their passions rather than forcing them to get into something that they have no real passion for.

 

Check the availability

You need to make sure that there are available clubs within your local area – unless it’s something your child is extremely passionate about, you don’t want to be travelling miles and miles to go to a club.

Make sure that the day and time are suitable for you. Some clubs may have multiple classes or sessions per week, while others may only take place once per week.

Some very popular clubs may have limited places. This is something to look into too – you should consider whether it’s worth going on a waiting list.

 

Research the reputation

Some clubs are likely to have a better reputation than others. Clubs with a poor reputation may be poorly organised and may not give your child the experience they’re looking for.

Look online to see if a club has good reviews and check what other parents are saying. This will give you a good idea as to which clubs are professional and trusted.

 

Check the requirements

Your child may have to be a certain age to attend certain clubs. Other clubs may be graded by ability, in which case you may want to look for the class that is aimed at beginners.

You’ll also need to look into clothing and equipment for certain clubs. For the first few classes this may not be necessary, but after a few classes you may need to consider investing in certain gear – this could include children’s tutus for a ballet club or a hockey stick for a hockey club. The club organisers will usually be able to run through all this with you.

 

Understanding the costs

It’s important that you can afford the fees and the necessary equipment. Some clubs are likely to be more expensive than others – it’s worth taking the time to compare fees.

Costs will usually be quite cheap in the beginning, but may get more expensive the more experienced your child gets. If you’re on a tight budget and your child shows a clear affinity for a certain club, you may find that some club organisers are willing to offer discounts.

 

Trialling it out

Many clubs offer free first sessions. Parents may be able to sit and watch in some cases. This gives you and your child a good idea as to whether the club is right before you commit.

 

It could be worth trying out a few different clubs. You can then see which one your child gravitates to and you can make this your focus.