Sport provides many benefits for children. Beyond the obvious health advantages, playing sport can build confidence, develop social skills, improve discipline and help children learn teamwork and leadership qualities. Finding a sport that really engages your child can set them up for an active, healthy lifestyle.
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Allow Children to Try a Variety of Sports
Expose your child to a range of different sports and activities from an early age. Many schools offer the chance to try sports like athletics, cricket, football, netball, rounders and tennis during PE lessons. Look for taster sessions at local clubs so they can get a feel for different sports with specialist coaching. Don’t force them into a sport just because their sibling or parent enjoys it. Give them the freedom to discover their own preferences.
Focus on Fun Over Competition at First
When trying out new activities, put the emphasis on fun and participation rather than skill level. Avoid placing too much pressure to compete or excel early on, as this can build resentment. Praise effort over results. The priority should be enjoying exercise and developing basic skills. As their talent emerges, you can start to focus more on competition if they have the desire and aptitude.
Take Advantage of Local Clubs and Facilities
Check what is available for children nearby. From athletics to velodrome cycling, many large UK cities have impressive sporting facilities where kids can access coaching and competitively priced membership. Attend taster days to see sessions in action before signing up. Local parks often offer free tennis courts, football pitches and running tracks too. If you are fostering children, use some of your foster carer pay to cover the cost of taster sessions at sports clubs.
Be Prepared to Invest Time and Money
Be realistic that if your child does become passionate about a particular sport, you will likely need to invest time driving them to practice and funding membership fees. Check if your employer offers tax free childcare payments. Whilst some school clubs are free, most community, county or national clubs charge. Consider costs for equipment and competition entry too. This investment builds healthy habits and can give a vital sense of purpose.
Encourage Fun Over Structured Practice to Start
Whilst regular coaching is important as talent develops, starting out should be about play. Kick a ball around together in the garden, go swimming as a family activity, play tennis rallies in the park; keeping sport informal and fun nurtures enthusiasm. Praise effort over aimless drills. As interest grows, more formal practice can supplement this active play.
Try Alternatives to Traditional Team Sports
Don’t just think football, rugby and cricket. From climbing to gymnastics, athletics to martial arts, there are diverse options. Things like dance, trampolining and skateboarding count too. Unusual sports often have smaller, more inclusive clubs. Emphasise non-competitive exercise like running and cycling for less sporty kids.
The Right Sport Develops More Than Skills
Finding the right sport for your child isn’t just about aptitude. Consider what benefits matter most – stamina, strength, coordination, speed, flexibility, discipline, leadership or friendship. Support them to find an activity they look forward to that provides a positive outlet for energy, builds self-esteem and offers lifelong benefits.
