Why Trampoline?

A guided physical activity can help children develop a greater intellectual competence in addition to any direct physical benefits such as flexibility, co-ordination and stamina.

Trampolining uses thinking processes, and as the performers learn new techniques they must develop and plan movement sequences while concentrating and having a great awareness of their body and its location. They learn by exploring new ideas and abilities, and accomplishments made while acquiring new skills can give them a stronger self-image.

Sport can be a way of teaching children "life skills". Life in general is one long competition and can be used as a fun way to demonstrate or measure their abilities. The more they commit to their training, the more improvement they will see. In future employment (even outside the sports industry), employers will see a fit person who has a level of commitment and this will indicate a focussed individual, not afraid of a challenge and hard work.

In competition it is not the highest grade or the most medals that is important, but the real measure is in the performer who has made the best personal achievement or learnt the most from the competitive experience. You may never be an Olympic performer or County Champion but you can still achieve your own personal goals and that can be worth far more. As the performer matures the medals and trophies will be forgotten but the interpersonal skills: discipline, listening, goal setting and communication, will stay with them and make them a more successful person.

In an ideal world everything would be pleasant, beneficial and nurturing, but in real life experiences can be negative. The trick is to be prepared to deal with these experiences and to overcome them. Winning and losing are part of this; it helps to deal with pressures and stress. As coaches and parents we are constantly saying that hard work will lead to victory: in short term situations this is not always the case, but in the long run for a successful life they are truthful concepts. We need to help children cope with the failure that is always lurking and will sometimes rear its ugly head.

We have all been in a situation where a stronger more gifted person has won with no effort or seen those that never seem to study yet still get good marks - these things are just not fair! This in itself is one of the most valuable lessons to be learnt. - Life is not fair. We don’t all begin life with the same physical, mental, emotional and financial benefits. A performer must learn to make the most of the talents they have, set realistic goals and these small repeated achievements will lead to success.

Every successful person (in any activity) will confirm that the rewards of success, whether it is terms of personal improvement or success in competition, are well worth it.

Above are the opinions of thoughtful educated adults - most children (and the adult's first reaction) would say "its fun". Whichever your school of thought - trampolining benefits both body and mind! - So enjoy it!