Back to School in Sotogrande: Beyond the Classroom
By Gloria Perez Lozano, 11 Sep 2024
With the start of the new school year, Sotogrande reveals itself not only as an educational epicentre of excellence, but also as a place where learning and fun go beyond the walls of the classroom. Here is a guide to extracurricular activities and points of interest that will make this school year an unforgettable experience for your children.
Sporting Activities for kids in Sotogrande
Elite Sports Programme at SIS Sotogrande International School
At Sotogrande International School, the Elite Sports programme is designed for students who wish to combine their academic studies with high performance in sport. This programme offers levels from Future Champions to Elite, providing specialised training in sports such as golf, polo, tennis, swimming and basketball. This programme not only emphasises sporting excellence, but also prepares students for university opportunities, including scholarships.
SotoTennis Academy: A Place to Shine in Tennis
The SotoTennis Academy, located in Sotogrande, is a premier international tennis academy. It specialises in providing the environment and opportunities necessary for young performance tennis players to thrive in their sporting careers. The centre is dedicated to helping athletes reach their full potential through a personalised approach and high quality coaching.
El Octógono: Tennis and Paddle Centre
El Octógono is a renowned club in Sotogrande, specialising in tennis and paddle tennis. It offers top quality facilities and training for all levels, from amateurs to competitors. In addition, the club is a focal point for the community by organising tournaments and social events. It has become a key venue for the meeting and development of local sportsmen and women.
La Reserva Club
This club offers first-class sports facilities where your children can play sports such as tennis, paddle tennis and basketball. It also has an exclusive beach with a shallow water area, ideal for the little ones.
San Roque Rugby Club: Youth Training Excellence
San Roque Rugby Club excels in the development of young rugby talent with extensive programmes ranging from U6 to U18. This Andalusian club with more than a decade of experience, focuses on the tactical and physical development of its players through bi-weekly training sessions. The younger players (U6 to U12) participate in 8 to 10 events per season, while the older categories (U14 to U18) compete in the Andalusian regional league, participating in 10 to 15 matches, half of which are played at home. This commitment to rigorous training and regular competition has established the club as a nationally recognised hotbed of talent.
La Cañada Golf Club, located in Guadiaro, San Roque (Cádiz), offers an excellent opportunity for young people and adults who wish to learn or perfect their golfing skills. The municipal golf school, managed by the club and supervised by San Roque Townhall, focuses on introduction, initiation and preparation in golf, as well as promoting golfing activities for children and juniors. With first class facilities and highly qualified coaches, it is an ideal place to develop sporting skills in a friendly and professional environment.
For more information about their programmes and how to register, please visit their website at: Escuela de Golf La Cañada.
La Hacienda Golf Academy: A Temple of Golf in Sotogrande
The Hacienda Golf Academy is distinguished by its innovative approach to golf instruction, ideal for players of all ages and levels. Using the Stack and Tilt methodology, the academy promotes continuous improvement of the swing and overall game. They offer programmes for juniors and adults, adapting to different needs and schedules, including quarterly courses and private lessons. They also stand out for their summer camps and specialised activities that make each session a unique and enriching experience.
Sotogrande is enriched this September with the introduction of specialised music courses for young people aged 10 and over. These courses offer a deep immersion into the world of music through:
Music Composition and Production Course: Designed to inspire and develop the composition and production skills of young artists.
DJ PRO Course: An intensive programme that equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to perform as professional DJs.
Both courses are characterised by their personalised approach, with small group classes of 3-4 students, ensuring detailed attention. Sessions are scheduled once a week, each lasting 90 minutes, with both early afternoon and late afternoon options.
For further details on enrolment and more information, please visit the website provided: Cursos de Música en Sotogrande.
New in Sotogrande: Polo Wheel After School
For young sports and adventure enthusiasts, Sotogrande now offers a unique opportunity with the ‘Polo Wheel After School’ programme. This innovative programme allows students to participate in polo in a new and dynamic way using hoverboards. Designed to appeal to both beginners and experienced players, lessons are offered Monday to Friday from 4pm to 7pm, starting on 9 September.
The programme is not just limited to weekday classes; weekends are enriched with additional activities and tournaments, providing a complete platform for skill development and competition. Ideal for youngsters looking for a sport that combines tradition with modern technology, Polo Wheel is an exciting addition to the after-school offerings in Sotogrande.
Education and Fun in Nature
Hipica Park at La Reserva de Sotogrande: Every Sunday, Hipica Park invites families to enjoy a safe and entertaining environment, where children can take part in activities such as archery and trampoline games. Meanwhile, adults have the opportunity to relax at the park’s bar, which offers a variety of food and refreshments.
Little Africa in Jimena de la Frontera: This unique space allows children to interact directly with nature, learning about the local fauna through activities such as trekking and animal feeding, providing an educational experience in a natural environment.
Equestrian Camp in Sotogrande: Located in the facilities of the prestigious Santa María Polo Club, this camp offers educational programmes where children learn about horse riding and horse care, integrating sports education with learning about animal responsibility.
Historical and Cultural Places around Sotogrande:
Castillo de las Águilas in Gaucín: This castle stands out not only for its breathtaking panoramic views but also for its rich history, offering an educational opportunity outside the classroom. Admission is free, making it an accessible option for learning about history in an experiential way.
Castellar de la Frontera Castle: Located just 30 minutes from Sotogrande, this castle provides a blend of historical education and spectacular views, capturing the interest of children and adults alike.
Play and Leisure Centres:
Mundo Mania in Cancelada: This is the only indoor play centre on the Costa del Sol, designed to provide safe entertainment for children of all ages, ideal for rainy or less sunny days.
Kidz Kingdom near SuperSol in Cancelada: An indoor space dedicated especially to the little ones, where they can enjoy a variety of safe and creative activities designed to stimulate their imagination and motor skills.
Activities and Camps in Sotogrande:
Après School Art Club: This centre is dedicated to artistic creation and outreach, offering art classes for children and youth seeking to explore and develop their creativity through illustration, painting, sculpture, modelling, technology, photography, architecture, fashion, and art history.
Tejas Verdes / Green Gables: This venue offers a variety of services focused on outdoor activities for children, including after-school workshops, weekend activities, holiday camps, and birthday celebrations, covering topics such as gardening, archaeology, agriculture, cooking and dance.
Sotogrande Camps – Talent Academy: This summer camp provides a unique experience in Spain, combining sport, education and fun in a multicultural and stimulating environment for children, teenagers and adults up to the age of 20.
Conclusion
Sotogrande offers an environment rich in education, culture and recreation, making it the ideal place for your children to grow and learn. From sports activities to outdoor history lessons, every day is an opportunity to learn something new – explore all these activities and make sure this school year is as educational outside the classroom as it is inside!
