Parents naturally want their children to be healthy, happy, and content. One of the best ways to achieve this is to guide them toward an active lifestyle from an early age. Sports activities can positively affect children's health, their physical fitness, personality development, and social inclusion. The modern era offers an endless array of activities, which can be for parents not only an advantage but also a challenge. How do you choose a sports club that will suit your child, and when should you actually start?
When is the right age for a child to start sport?
Sport in childhood should be associated primarily with fun. However, each age has its specifics and suitable types of activities. Around the age of three is the first stage when you can consider active movement (sport) and simple classes, such as parent-and-child exercise sessions, playful gymnastics, or children's swimming. A child at this age is only learning to coordinate their own body, so a fun approach is crucial. A child's attention span at this time is very short, so it is best to use elements of play and relatively short lessons.
From five to six years of age, children handle movement coordination better and begin to be able to work in a group, compete, and follow instructions. At this age, it is often recommended to start with simple team sports — a football/soccer club, an athletics prep class, judo, dance, etc.
Later, from seven to nine years old, children often find greater enjoyment in specialized sports — tennis, gymnastics, basketball, or hockey. At this age, supporting training habits and discipline is important. At ten and older, children begin to have clearly defined interests, and their sports focus is usually more advanced and intensive in character.
Benefits of sports clubs for children
Taking part in sports activities brings children many benefits. Health benefits play a primary role. Regular sport strengthens immunity, supports the healthy growth of the musculoskeletal system, and also helps prevent obesity. Movement is key to the proper development of a child's muscles and coordination. Thanks to physical activity, we can also successfully prevent many lifestyle diseases.
Sport is a great way to build social skills in a group, discipline, and the ability to handle stress or lose and accept criticism. It has also been shown that children who regularly play sports are more mentally resilient and better manage conflicts and stressful situations.
Individual versus team sports
Each sport suits different types of a child's personality. Individual sports, such as tennis, gymnastics, athletics, or swimming, are a good fit for children who like discipline and are able to develop their talent independently. These sports suit children who are less dependent on the group and can be more self-reliant.
Conversely, team sports (football/soccer, basketball, hockey, floorball, volleyball) primarily develop social skills and team spirit. They are ideal for children who are sociable, enjoy communicating, and feel the need to share their experiences with peers. They are also suitable for children who find it harder to motivate themselves — the group and the shared experience of success can motivate them to perform better.
Choosing sports clubs with regard to a child's age, interests, abilities, and character is crucial. Do not rush, listen to your child, and do not be afraid to try more options so you can find the perfect sports club for your child.