Start Smart Clinic Teaches Kids Basic Sport Skills

The Pine Community Center is offering a Start Smart co-ed clinic to teach children ages three to six the basic motor skills necessary to play organized sports.

The six-week clinic, run by program coordinator Meagan Quail, begins on Sept. 17 and runs from 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. on Tuesdays until Oct. 22.

"Each week there is a catching, throwing, kicking, and batting exercise so the participants get an introduction on the more popular sports," said Quail.

While children will not learn how to play specific sports, the non-competitive class should prepare them for game action in sports like baseball, soccer or basketball.

Specialized equipment is used during the program that is tailored to the size and ability of small children. Among this equipment are large balls that are easier for catching, foam- or cloth-covered balls to reduce injuries, large foam bats that make it easier to hit and textured balls to help with catching.

Children do not need to bring any of their own equipment, said Quail, as it will be provided for them.

The cost is $48 for community center members and $63 for non-members.