CLgym
Proud Parent
About 6 weeks ago, I posted that I was worried my DD (6 yrs old and on pre-team) would be directed to Xcel rather than JO -- DD is very focused and clear that she wants to complete Level 3. The overwhelming advice from this board was to talk to the coaches. I reached out to the gym via email to ask for a meeting. I never got my meeting, but had a nice email exchange and expressed DD's goal. Several weeks later we received a verbal invite to JO for the summer. DD was super excited when I told her! For the next several weeks, there was some gym drama over pre-team placements for other girls. Then, earlier this week, I was pulled in for a meeting with the pre-team coach and JO team manager and told the HC had changed his mind and DD would be placed in Xcel Bronze. When I asked why, DD's age was referenced ("old"). I pointed out there was at least one other same-aged child moving to JO, but was given no other explanation despite my pressing. In fact, both the manager and pre-team coach expressed they wanted JO for DD too. I asked about meeting with the HC, but manager said they would talk with the HC and get back to me. I suspect I will not hear back. DD is a hard worker and good gymnast (she started just a little over a year ago in rec, and was spotted and moved to pre-team) -- but, if I'm honest, she is not a phenom. Her current gym has a highly selective and successful JO program, and a solid Xcel program too. It is also less than mile from my home (next closest gyms would be 25-30 minute drive). Also should mention that DD (along with all of her pre-team peers) is missing some of her Level 3 skills -- some have not even been introduced yet although they've been training/conditioning for all. If she had been invited JO she probably would have trained for another year before competing. On Xcel Bronze, I think she might actually have a few meets, and maybe will learn the Level 3 routines (Not 100% sure about this - still waiting for more info based on several questions I emailed -- but it was mentioned in passing). One other positive for Xcel is that the schedule would allow DD to stay involved in several other activities.
Here are my questions: Should I just make Xcel work -- talk it up and get DD on board? Or should I look elsewhere for a JO program despite the distance? Or maybe try Xcel for a year (get those missing level 3 skills), and then revisit the issue next year? I am trying very hard to take my emotions out of the equation (but, believe me, I'm not a happy camper over how this was handled).
Also, for those wondering, DD took news of the flip-flop remarkably well (a few tears the day after, but not bad). Kids are resilient!
Here are my questions: Should I just make Xcel work -- talk it up and get DD on board? Or should I look elsewhere for a JO program despite the distance? Or maybe try Xcel for a year (get those missing level 3 skills), and then revisit the issue next year? I am trying very hard to take my emotions out of the equation (but, believe me, I'm not a happy camper over how this was handled).
Also, for those wondering, DD took news of the flip-flop remarkably well (a few tears the day after, but not bad). Kids are resilient!