It’s no secret that starting to play sports at a young age can prove extremely beneficial for children. It will make a difference physically and mentally. By enrolling your child in a youth sports program, you will be allowed the opportunity to watch them learn about themselves while making new friends.
The best part about youth sport programs is the internal difference it can make for a child. Allowing a child the opportunity to hone their skills through hard work gives them a sense of pride. It teaches them that if they work hard, they can become better at doing things they enjoy, which is a gift that can’t be bought.
To give you a better idea of the benefits, let’s use soccer as an example. The game of soccer has been in existence for over 150 years. It’s one of the most popular sports in the world for many reasons, one of which being it is extremely inexpensive to play. Children living in poverty are able to play soccer with minimal supplies, making it a great option for kids of all backgrounds. With a few friends, a ball and a makeshift goal, anyone can play soccer!
If your child decides he or she would like to learn how to play soccer, there are countless resources to help get you started. First, it will be up to you and your child to decide what kind of soccer to become involved in. There are indoor soccer leagues as well as outdoor. Once a decision is reached, it’s time to get involved with local soccer programs. This could mean your child trying out for the school team and/or participating in youth soccer programs.
As a parent, there are things you can do to help your child feel supported and encouraged. By attending as many games as possible, you’ll show your child that you value them and are proud of their accomplishments. Some parents also choose to coach local youth programs. There is most likely an assortment of local soccer coaching clinics for adults in your area to become involved in. Not every parent has the time to devote to coaching but if you do, it’s a great way to help foster your relationship with your child.
If that’s not enough convincing, let’s take a look at some statistics about the benefits of playing youth sports:
- It is estimated that about 60% of children play organized sports for the opportunity to interact with friends. Through youth programs, they will make new friends and learn important social skills.
Each year, there are thousands of scholarships for sports granted to students. As your child gets older, they may decide to play sports in college. Camps and tours are a great way to catch the attention of recruiters and coaches.
During the average game, soccer players (excluding the goalkeeper) will spend an hour and a half running up and down the field. This translates into running between five and seven miles during each game. It is essentially healthy exercise disguised as a competition.
If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to get your child involved in local sports, there is no better time than now. Ask around about local soccer programs or do some research into how to become a coach.
