Just wanting to mull this over and get some input.
DD is 6 (7 later this year). Always had poor gross motor skills but improving and sports help with this. She also enjoys all kinds of sports.
So far we've done bits and pieces and some weekly things, but I'm thinking about what she might enjoy sticking at long term, including what would be actually doable for us as a family long term. That would mean not too expensive, not involving lots of travelling (some weekend travelling yes, but not every week, and definitely no long journeys on week nights), things teens tend to keep going to rather than petering out by the end of primary school. Also something that can be done indoors might be advantageous as we live in an area with terrible weather (rains year-round, can be quite windy, usually quite cold).
So far, I've had these thoughts:
Swimming: she currently has lessons through a private company very locally and really enjoys them. Huge waiting list for the nearest place that does national framework type lessons, and is a bit further away though doable. Planning to continue the weekly lessons regardless. Not sure if swimming becomes expensive when it gets competitive.
Gymnastics: she currently goes to a "for fun" class weekly. Enjoys it for now, but I don't think the natural aptitude is there for it to become a serious hobby. Also I'm under the impression it would involve training many days a week at competitive levels and it's a little far away so would make evenings very difficult. We'll keep going while she enjoys it, though.
Football: there's a local girls under 8s team. I think she'd enjoy this and has a good kick already, although training is past her normal bedtime (finishing 8.30pm so wouldn't be in bed until 9ish at least - usually 8pm). I'm assuming it's quite cheap overall? The timing is a pain, though.
Tennis: there's a place very close by. I'm sure she'd enjoy it but not sure if she'd be any good and if it's expensive or not.
Dancing: she has only recently started asking about dancing/ballet. She's kind of clumsy so probably wouldn't get past just low level hobby type level, and I'm not sure but guessing many drop out by the time they're in high school. There is also highland dancing nearby which I love the idea of!
Taekwondo: she had a trial of this and loved it. My hesitation was that firstly, the monthly cost was expensive (almost double the swimming lesson cost, for example), plus expensive uniforms, but also she has a tendency towards rough and tumble and we were trying to get her away from "play fighting" which sometimes gets out of hand. I was worried she'd end up "practising" her new kicks and punches on other people.
Horse riding: I think she would enjoy it, but it's not especially close by and I know it could get very, very expensive. We definitely wouldn't be able to get her a horse, even on loan.
Ice skating: there's a place about half an hour away though she's never been. No idea on cost etc. Slightly concerned she'd lose fingers out of clumsiness. She loves watching it, though, and wants to try.
Any other ideas? I know it might come across like I'm a pushy parent - I'm not, I just want to spend her time/our money on trying things that she might keep going to as we don't have much time or money to spare so I want to make the most of it!