VTECH 3-in-1 Sports Centre Review
DISCLOSURE – THIS ITEM WAS GIFTED TO THE REVIEWER FOR THE PURPOSES OF WRITING THE REVIEW. ALL THOUGHTS AND OPINIONS ARE THE REVIEWER’S OWN.
Reviewed by Dottie Rood
This was very exciting to receive as it was in a lovely colourful box that would be appealing to most children. It is aimed at children who are 12 months to 36 months, and I was pleased to take it to a number of little ones that I know.
What’s in the box and some of the ‘features’:
In the box:
*1 x VTECH 3-in-1 Sports Centre (that needs to be assembled) plus 3 balls (football, basketball and a ‘mini-ball’)
Dimensions are 58L X66W X 44H CM. Batteries needed: 3 x AA (these are NOT provided).
Features:
*You can score a goal (aiming at a very ‘happy’ goalkeeper), hit a target or throw your ball in the basket.
*The chunky animated scoreboard counts how many times you get the ball in the basket.
*When you score a goal you hear encouraging phrases such as ‘awesome’ and playful sounds, plus the screen lights up with a variety of animations.
*There are 4 songs, 18 melodies, turning gears and a sliding trophy.
*There are also 3 colourful buttons that teaches shapes (circle, square and triangle), objects and colours.
*The board level adjusts as your child grows.
*Very sturdy and easy to construct.
This is a VTECH toy so what/who is VTECH?
VTECH was founded in 1976 by two entrepreneurs, Allen Wong and Stephen Leung. VTECH (Video Technology Limited) is a Hong Kong based global suppler of electronic learning products that are for children from infancy to preschool. It is also the world’s largest manufacturers of cordless phones! Who knew!? It has many other products available.
What developmental areas may be boosted?
I would say this toy covers a number of developmental areas such as mathematical, counting your goals, watching the numbers on the score board and listening as the basketball hoop counts up to ten and also finding the three shape buttons (which have information when they are pressed). Physical development, throwing the balls into the net, kicking the football (and trying to balance while you do!), fine motor skills when pushing the buttons, working the gears and moving the trophy up and down. This game ignites your child’s curiosity encouraging them to discover and explore which is good for their social development and abilities to ‘achieve’. The VTECH 3-in-1 Sports Centre is suitable for both boys and girls and was really enjoyed by my reviewers.
The youngest was just 12 months old (little boy), he was able to use the toy to help him stand as he is still a bit wobble on his feet. He really enjoyed the balls and the noises the game made but couldn’t quite understand how to make anything happen! When the game ‘cheered’ (when he (or his Dad!) got a ball in the basketball net he would laugh and clap. His mum thought it was good as she could wash it when needed and it wasn’t too big to store, she also felt he would appreciate it much more as he got bigger. She also commented that when his much bigger brother played with him, they both seemed to get lots of fun out of it!
Next, we have a 20-month-old (little boy) who really enjoyed all aspects of this toy and took great delight in scoring both football and basketball. He quickly learnt one of the songs, You’re a great footballer, and would sing it with lot’s of enthusiasm (as often as possible)! He also recognised a couple of the melodies, Baa, baa black sheep and Hickory Dickory Dock and his Nana and I recognised a lot of the others, Ding Dong Dell, Jack Be Nimble etc. He enjoyed listening to us sing along to them! (although I’m not sure the rest of the family did!)
I then took it to a friend who has a nearly 37-month-old (little girl), she was a bit reluctant at first saying it was for a boy! But when we started playing, she immediately joined in. We were joined by a much younger little girl (10 months) and she took great delight in showing her all the games, having great fun. She also enjoyed the melodies and songs, however it didn’t hold her attention for very long so I felt she was perhaps too old for it?
I would recommend this toy for younger children (maybe 12/24-month-olds) as they can ‘grow’ with the toy. It would make a lovely, exciting Christmas present and although the repeated melodies may get a little annoying there was a volume (and off!) button.
Rating: 4/5 (just age recommendation)
RRP: £49.99
For more information, visit www.vtech.co.uk. Available to buy from Amazon here.