Sport is a part of our culture and touches nearly everyone’s life. Luckily, most kids have a natural urge to play — and signing them up for sport activities is a great way to harness all of that natural energy and transform it into something even greater. Honestly, I would rather have my son kick a football than knock off a vase at home. Playing organised sport can be fun for your child, and can provide them with many benefits beyond physical fitness.
Organised sport benefits your child’s social, emotional and psychological well-being. We have grown up with a greater emphasis on studies than sport, and now as parents, we realise how important sport is. Trust me, as this comes from a person who has never played any sport — my hand-eye coordination is dismal. We also have the privilege and education to understand that it can lead to a viable profession. The city has many options for children where they can learn from experienced coaches and teams.
Little Gym
Participating in gymnastics fosters not only physical strength but also flexibility, balance, and coordination. Moreover, it instils discipline, perseverance, and self-confidence in young athletes. So, don’t underestimate the transformative power of gymnastics for kids — it’s more than just flips and somersaults; it’s a journey of personal growth and development. Little Gym offers classes for children till 12 years of age. All their programs are offered in a fun and safe environment that revolve around active play and developing key skills. The staff is knowledgeable and patient, allowing your little one to have a gala time.
Address: Elgin works building, 9 Elgin Road, 3rd floor, Kolkata 700020
Contact: +91 98314 12535
Topspin Tennis Center
The Topspin Tennis Center envisions to enrich the tennis talent pool in India with hard work, eagerness, agility, respect and training. They offer beginner, intermediate and advanced training irrespective of age, under the supervision of Manoj Sewa, Biplab Das, Robin Das and Varun Sukul. The certified coaches are not only remarkable achievers in their own right, but have also proven their mettle as trainers as well. I was apprehensive about enrolling my son in tennis early, but my partner has been a tennis player his entire life and was persistent. The result? A motivated yet disciplined and energetic little tennis player.
The classes under Topspin are conducted all year around at the The Calcutta Punjab Club tennis courts in Woodburn Park.
Address: 2B, Wood Burn Park, Kolkata 700020
Contact: 9903773126
CK 7 Sports
Clinton Francis Khanna started classes and camps for children to inculcate his love for all things football. His team focuses on developing all gross motor and physical skills rather than just focusing on football. They conduct classes at Elgin Turf, Turf XL, Sky Turf and Sport Turf for ages three and up. For the young ones, the focus is on basic skill development — throwing, catching, running and jumping through obstacle courses, and free play. Slowly they transition to a more structured skill set and work on endurance, flexibility and team building.
Contact: +91 98362 42034
Swimming
When your baby isn’t old enough to walk, it may seem silly to take them to the pool but there are many benefits to splashing around and gliding through the water. Being in the water engages your baby’s body in a completely unique way, creating billions of new neurons as your baby kicks, glides, and smacks at the water. Due to their delicate immune systems, however, doctors typically recommend that parents keep their babies from chlorinated pools until they’re about six months old.
Indian Life Saving Society (or Anderson Club) imparts swimming lessons for all ages under the supervision of highly trained coaches and trainers to both members and guests. Most clubs host swimming summer camps in the city for children too.
Address: Life Saving House, 46/2 Kabi Bharati Sarani, Rabindra Sarovar, Kolkata - 700029
Contact: 033 24665359
Calcutta Polo Club
Located at the historic Calcutta Race Course (at Royal Calcutta Turf Club), the Calcutta Polo Club (CPC) continues to pride itself for its warm and friendly atmosphere whilst offering a world-class riding and polo facility to its members and guests. An activity like riding allows a child to make a close connection with an animal and provides an exceptional life experience by allowing kids to form a relationship and accept responsibility for the love and care of a pony or horse. In addition, riding and caring for a horse can assist with many aspects of learning and development.
The activity promotes physical health and skills, assists in the development of social skills and improves mental agility, which benefits kids well into the future. A one-off riding session ranges from Rs 399 - 499, whereas certificate courses start at Rs 7,999 for 24 classes spread across a period of three months. Customised packages are also available for people with specific requirements. Make sure to check about additional riding requirements, such as shoes, helmets and breeches.
Address: Royal Calcutta Turf Club, Calcutta Race Course, Hastings, Kolkata - 700022
Contact: 9331005000/ 033 22487170
Always keep a positive mindset when it comes to sport and let no signs of disappointment show. The concept of sport from the early years of our children’s life should be a fun one. Participation should be thoroughly enjoyable and never seen as a chore. Children first start to develop this fun perspective by watching us play with them, with a smile and with humour. It can be exhausting saying “well done” constantly, but the payoff is greater — they learn sportsmanship and integrity.
The author is an economist and full-time millennial mother, struggling to cope with daily chores
