We just switched our 9 year old to team (level 3) in Sep which is 2 hours on Tues and 2 1/2 on Thursdays. My other two were still in recreational, (7 and 6), but are moving to team/pre-team on Tuesday. It has been very overwhelming. At 5 you don't have the homework challenges, but that has been our struggle. I have also found the work that goes into preparing for the meets, etc. a whole new world. The level 3s didn't compete at our first home meet, but I took the girls to watch. They had a ball, and it broke down some of the mystery for me. I have really tried to meet the other parents at the gym to get a better idea as well.
I have really seen huge improvements in my daughter's skill level, she loves the practices and can't wait to go each day. It has motivated her to get her school work done, etc.
The biggest thing I recommend watching for is not wanting to go. My daughter's level 3 team has several girls that really don't love the sport. They interrupt the coach, etc. If my daughters get to that point, I will probably pull them out because this is too expensive, with too much of a time committment to push them into it.
Michelle
