I'm a MS teacher and the mom of two college varsity athletes. From my perspective, I'd let her try it for a year or maybe two max, but then it would probably be best for her to choose one sport. You want to be sure that in middle school she has enough time to keep up with school work without undue stress, hang with friends, explore non-athletic interests, sleep and enjoy some downtime -- to dream, reflect and chill. Also, if she's such a strong athlete that she'd want to continue playing in high school and maybe college, she'll benefit from focusing on developing her skills in one sport.

Anonymous wrote:Could she do a 2 day a week swim option instead? I now kids who make the 3 day a week age group but move down to the 2 day a week so they have time for other things.

Yes- the swim program is letting her do 2 days a week for the fall when soccer is always 3 days a week.

We looked at the calendars and it is really only September and October and then April and May that will be a little intense.

Could she do a 2 day a week swim option instead? I now kids who make the 3 day a week age group but move down to the 2 day a week so they have time for other things.

OP here- there are not 2 a day practices but there could be a conflict with a weekend swim practice and a soccer game or a weekend swim meet and a soccer game.

I think she really wants to do both and I am sure there will be times she will have to choose which to do or miss a practice because of the other sport.

For us, luckily we are close to both practice locations and already have a carpool for one set up.

This is such a kid-driven, family-driven question. We opted to do soccer 3 times a week and swim 1 time a week for a 9 year old. This kid needs his downtime. I can see other kids not requiring as much downtime and being fine with it. Also, for us, it was about $. Between swim and soccer, we would be looking at $3-4000/year. Seems excessive for a 9 year old.

"2x a day practices (even if they are two different sports), should not be started before 12-14 (age) to avoid burnout, if college sports are in the future or participating on the national/world level if NOT expected."

The OP NEVER said anything about 2X a day. She said 3 soccer practices and 3 swimming practices A WEEK so less than ONE per day.

If I was the swim coach, I would be happy she was doing some conditioning those other 3 days.

My guess is her soccer coach would have more specific ideas for drills.

OP it is NOT too much, for your DD, but it might be too much for you or your family. Only you can answer those questions based on your life/job.

When will she have time for Fortnight?

I don't think people who have a kid that actually wants to do 4-6 hours a sports a day really understand that not only can they handle it but it is healthy.

My son did this type of schedule his whole life. Soccer and football, basketball and indoor soccer, lacrosse and soccer

He just thrives on running, being outside, being part of a team... he loves it.

If that is her thing and you family can handle the schedule I would do it.

You child wants to get up before dawn to do something healthy. Be proud.