Great Way to Inspire Your Kid’s Interest in More Non-Traditional Sports

With the Olympics coming this summer, it can be a great way to inspire your kid’s interest in more non-traditional sports.   From swimming to trampoline, there are numerous places with classes to get kids moving catering to the beginner level through to the competitive athlete.   Summer is an excellent time to try something new.    

Pulse Premier Sports Camps offer elite specialized coaching programs for children of all skill levels at the finest facilities in the nation.  The Pulse multi-level curriculum is designed and delivered by high-profile professional coaches to provide athletes with a superior training experience and the perfect setting to reach their highest potential.  Each location has been carefully selected to provide players with the highest quality resources available in today's vastly competitive environment. These facilities include state of the art turf fields, gymnasiums, fitness centers, auditoriums and swimming pools. To register for a camp, call now: 732.563.2526

Northern Valley Sports Academy, the First Place for Sports Training, is located in the heart of Closter. The 17,000 square foot, fully climate-controlled facility features a brand new turf field, basketball court and fitness room.  Their coaches consist of former professional, college, high school, and club sport coaches. Their expertise is offered during a variety of programs, including weekly clinics, private lessons, holiday camps, summer camps, tournaments, and birthday parties.  NVSA offers activities for all ages ranging from pre-K to adult. They have lacrosse, soccer, basketball, baseball, softball, and many other exciting classes including dodgeball leagues, Teddy Tennis and Magnus fitness classes. 100 Oakland Avenue, Closter; 201.750.3275

i9 Sports offers sports leagues, camps, and clinics for boys and girls ages 3-14.  Offering Flag Football, Soccer, Basketball, and T-Ball with their focus on fun, safety, and convenience, i9 Sports is reinventing the youth sports experience. There isn't a better tool to teach a child the skills necessary to succeed in life than sorts. Self-discipline, determination, teamwork, and good sportsmanship are only a handful of the valuable life skills learned through i9 Sports participation. Children deserve an alternative to the hyper-competitive, win-at-all-cost culture that pervades most kid’s sports leagues. We have no-tryouts, a Parental Pledge for our parents, one day per week practice held before the game.  Union County 908. 212.3200

Capoeira Kidz practices an Afro-Brazilian martial art form that has earned international notoriety for its beauty and the skills required of its practitioners. Because Capoeira requires a combination of dance, acrobatics and fighting skills, those who practice must exceed physical strength and cultivate endurance, flexibility, and intuition. The music played and sung by capoeiristas provides the rhythm for the games--while capoeiristas create a dialogue of movements. The appeal of the game and its philosophy is so widespread that it is now practiced around the world.  Their program teaches children Brazilian Martial Art form combined with fight, dance, acrobats and music. Capoiera improves agility, flexibility, confidence and much more.  115 River Road. Edgewater; 917.488.0041

Kidsports is a facility within The Club at Woodbridge that provides professionally designed programs for children of all ages. The curriculum is designed for infants, toddlers, and school aged children. They provide a fun-filled recreation/fitness/skill development environment that has no emphasis on winning or losing.  The Kidsports Academy’s Summer Camp offers sports court rentals, swimming and tennis lessons, raquetball, group dance and fitness classes, aquatics, karate, Les Mills, Zumba, yoga and much more. 585 Main Street, Woodbridge; 732.634.5000

Five Star Swim School is the place for quality swim lessons in New Jersey. They are dedicated to the success of each student, whether it be getting over a fear of water or reaching the next level of competitive swimming.   Similar to American Red Cross style of swim, they utilize repetition of drills and each class follows a routine that students get easily accustomed to. Each group is divided by age and also by skill level.  With a ratio of 3:1 in each class, your child is sure to get plenty of attention.  Best part the indoor pool facility heated to 90 degrees.   Locations in Edison & Eatontown; 732.902.2267

The Elite Trampoline Academy is a trampoline training facility fully equipped with 9 trampolines devoted to bringing you the highest level of the world's newest and most exciting Olympic sport! Along with their internationally recognized competitive team, they offer recreational trampoline lessons for children of all ages, and adults. The recreational lessons create a unique and fun way to burn calories and stay in shape.  549 Route 35; Red Bank; 732.747.4000