Do you remember being fascinated by figure skating, playing Dave Mira Pro Skater on PlayStation, or rollerblading for hours around the neighborhood? That was totally me! It’s been a while, but my son and I have skating fever since he’s been taking skating classes with New England Roller Sports Academy in Concord.
New England Roller Sports Academy teaches artistic inline and roller skating classes that are actually endorsed by USA Roller Sports. They opened up last year and are now located at City Wide Community Center in Concord. They offer 8-Week classes and open skate every Saturday 12:00-2:00 for ages 4 through Adult. For those that want to try it out first, they offer your first intro lesson free!
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Since our oldest son is now 4, we have been eager to introduce him to sports and other things he was too young for previously. We got our big boy his first pair of skates this past Christmas as he requested. So, I was excited to partner with New England Roller Sports Academy to spread the word about their program while my son enjoys classes! I figured skating classes would be worth it even if it is just for the social interaction and to gauge his interest initially.
When we first arrive at City Wide Community Center in Concord, we knock on the door and someone lets us in to complete the health screening. Then, it's time for skating class. Coach Hanna is the owner of New England Roller Sports Academy, but her husband, Guy, also helps with registration and details. It really is a family business as her daughter, Allie, leads the beginners class.
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The beginners class is for young children and anyone just getting familiar with skating. Seeing the little ones carefully scooting their skates back and forth reminds me of my first skates- those Fisher Price ones that strapped over shoes. Now, there are really great quality skates and roller blades for kids 4 and up. With real skates (inline or quad) and a somewhat rubbery finish on the gym floor, it is easy to develop the skills needed to continue on to the intermediate class. I can tell my son loves the more personal attention that he gets with the small class size. He, like most very young students, build up to participating longer and longer. Although when they play games such as Red Light Green Light during the second half (free skate time), he keeps the skates on and plays along.
It's the older, more intermediate class that is inspiring me to strap on rollerblades again. As a 12 or 13 year old, I used to glide on one foot, skate backward, and pretend I was ice dancing with my little sister as often as possible. If only I had someone to push me further like New England Roller Sports Academy. Coach Hanna has a vision to get students ready to compete in artistic inline skating, like figure skating on dry land. She actually became a professional figure skater in 1985, so she has knows the techniques, terms, and tenacity it takes to be an amazing skater. One advanced student has inline skates that have a ball on the front which allows her to do jumps just like figure skaters! You can check out the skates I'm talking about on this Facebook Live video (about 6 minutes in) I did during one class.
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Whether you have a 4 year old, teenager, or want to participate yourself, New England Roller Sports Academy has options for just about everyone! Bring your rollerblades or skates, grab a helmet (required for children), and come join in! Try a class or just enjoy open skate for some great exercise and family entertainment. I’m not sure that my son will go pro, but we’ve definitely seen him blossom socially and grow in his skating skills over the past month thanks to New England Roller Sports Academy classes.
For more info, check out the New England Roller Sports Academy Facebook page or website. You can also sign up for classes through their site or just show up as you can start classes anytime! Hope to see you there!
Disclosure: I received my son's classes for free in exchange for this article and other promotion. Although, it reflects my own thoughts and feelings about New England Roller Sports Academy.
