Classes for Singapore kids: I want to be an athlete

Football Development

Ages 0.5-5
All of you Messis-in-waiting should check in to Socatots, a preschool kids’ footie franchise that offer lessons in basic soccer skills at their base in Bukit Timah. With parent participation, young soccerlings learn kicking, passing and shooting. $120 (4 sessions), plus $20 registration fee; 60 mins. #01-17 & #02-05 Turf City, 200 Turf Club Rd (6468 9812, www.socatots.com/singapore).

Fly High

Ages 4 & above
If packing up to join the circus has always been at the back of your mind when overwhelmed with schoolwork, The Flying Trapeze at Sentosa gives you a real-life brush with acrobatics and ‘circustry’. It’s also a great way to conquer your fear of heights. $10 per swing, $20 for three; 120-180 mins. Siloso Beach, Sentosa.

Little Samurai

Ages 6-13
Apart from looking badass in your kit, you’ll learn skills every little warrior should know: discipline, hard work, integrity, confidence and teamwork. The self-defence skills also help keep the bullies away. Just remember to not go all yakuza on your classmates! Get a headstart with this Children’s Programme designed by a Harvard University graduate. Evolve Above $200; 49 mins. #02-22 POMO Mall, 1 Selegie Rd (6337 0082, www.evolvemma.com)

Skateboarding

Ages 8-13
Mum will approve of this: a weekly skate course led by experienced and certified coaches. Sure, it’ll be a while before you can do the 360-degree inward heel flip and Gazelle Spin, but you’ll be learning in safe, fenced environs. If Mum’s a hard one to convince, tell her the boards are provided, so no additional shell-outs are involved. No need to thank us, just remember us when you are a rockin’ roller. Skatesports $98 per month; 60 mins. Tampines Central St 21 (6583 0229, www.skatesports.com.sg).

Go-karting

No age limit; at least 1.4m tall
At eight years old, future F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton began his driving career on a lesser track than Kartright Speedway’s 750m competition-length circuit. A huge hit with thrill-seeking petrolhead father-son duos, the track stays open late and is completely floodlit, so you can race under the stars in true Singapore F1 style. $22-$34; 10 mins. 511 Upper Jurong Rd (6265 3303, www.kartright.com).

Filipino martial arts

Ages 13-15
If you’ve seen Kung Fu Panda, you’ll know that the best way to defend yourself is not by fighting but by outsmarting your opponent. The instructors at Kali Majapahit believe as much, likening their courses to ‘brain gym’. Here you can participate in martial arts games and learn cool moves inspired by pugilistic disciplines from the 13th-century South-East Asian Majapahit Empire. $99-$165 per month. #02-01, 43 Carpenter St (8428 1160, www.kali-majapahit.com).

Fencing

Ages 4-12
Looking to toughen up a bit? Take part in weekly bouts at Z Fencing’s sword-fighting classes led by former national coaches. Zkeeter classes are said to enhance motor skills and improve physical fitness. Let Mum and Dad know that they have classes available for them as well – you’ll be able to negotiate a later bedtime. $160-$190 per month; 45-90 mins. #01-41/42 United Square, 101 Thomson Rd (6352 6010, www.zfencing.com).

Zip programme

No age limit; at least 1.1m tall
Listen up Tarzan wannabes – make your dreams come true and zip your way through the Forest Adventure aerial course. The course involves ladders, bridges, trapezes and a 200m-long zipline across the trees of Bedok Reservoir. Modern Tarzans-in-training will feel right at home with the safety harnesses and helmets. You’ll have to be at least 1.1m tall to get into the Kids’ Course, shorty, but as with all the kings of the jungle before you, it won’t be long before your growth spurt kicks in. Bookings necessary. $24; 30-50 mins. 825 Bedok Reservoir Rd (8100 7420, www.forestadventure.com.sg).

Rowing practice

Ages 7-15
Where can you learn to read the weather and tides? On a sailboat of course! At the National Sailing Centre the SailSmart programme combines the sport of sailing with the development of knowledge of the natural environment so you can navigate the gentle whips of the sea breeze and learn water safety, as well as acquire decision-making, leadership and teamwork skills. This is definitely much cooler than a surfboard. $290; 4 days. 1500 East Coast Parkway (6444 4555, www.sailsmart.sg).

Rock climbing

Ages 5-12
Get your rock on at Just for Kids, Climb Asia’s junior rock-wall climbing session. Climb under the supervision of experienced, kid-friendly instructors who will cheer, encourage and guide you (harness and all). This is one way to push your limits to reach greater heights – literally. $25 per child; 120 mins. Civil Service Club, 60 Tessensohn Rd (6292 7701, www.climb-asia.com). Minimum 10 children per group.

More reading:
So your kid wants to be an artist
So your kid wants to be in business
So your kid wants to be a scientist

This story first appeared as 'In a different class: School of sports & exercise sciences' (Aug 2010)