My daughter is 10 years old. She loves gymnastics, and is quite serious about it when she is doing it, but she does not want to be on a team because of all that is required in terms of number of practices. She actually made it onto a team, but then quit because she wasn't having fun anymore. She also has too many other activities in her life (currently soccer and skating and lots of homework because she is in advanced groups) and all of these are important to her. She dreams of finding a gymnastics place that will still teach someone of her age on a recreational level and not try to force her onto a team. She wants to keep advancing and learning new skills and doesn't want to be bored. We're finding it impossible to find a location that offers something recreational for an advanced gymnast - i.e. someone who could be on a team, but doesn't want to be. The Legends web site was the only one that seemed to actually have a program offering for advanced gymnasts in their existing schedule ( a lot of web sites say they have it - but when you look at the schedule, there is no such class). However, I had heard just horrible things about Legends - that they are too strict on the kids, they berate them, etc.. I'm hoping that's old news and the former owners, but I don't know. Obviously where she wants to do this only for fun, I don't want to get involved in any place that berates the kids. I'm curious if anyone has any experience with Legends - especially for older, more skilled kids? If so, can you tell me truthfully how much pressure they put on the kids in the non-team atmosphere? Many thanks.
Sorry, I don't know anything about Legends. Have you checked out Champion Factory in North Andover? I highly recommend them! My kids have been taking classes there for several years. They are a little younger than your daughter. I know that , Teena and Brian, are so nice! They really care about the kids! It is such a fun, non-competitive program! The # is ###-###-####.
Hi L.,
My daughter actually is on a team in Billerica (2 nigths a week for 2 hours) and she too loves to play soccer (her coach is on a women's soccer team) so I understand your predicament. We actually competed at Legend's last year and the owner was great (it had just recently changed hands). I found that if we explained she had other interests the expectations were understood by all. During soccer season she attends one night of gymnastics and one night of soccer both coaches understand she is doing this for fun not a career. Hope this helps!!!
Hi Liss. My daughter is 6 years old so a little younger but loves her class at Legends. She is not on team but in an Advanced class for her age group. The coaches and owners are very nice and I have not seen anyone get yelled at or berated when we are there. I say give it a try and if you do not like it do not sign up for the new session. We love it there and are going to continue for fun. Good luck.
I don't have any advice for you, I'm sorry. But I felt compelled to comment on how sad it is that children can't do sports just for fun anymore. This problem only seems to be getting worse. Good for you for allowing your daughter to be a kid! I applaud your efforts to find a positive environment to pursue her HOBBY! :D I hope you are able to find something that works for her.
