Why to put kids in the Youth Sports?
Physical Activity: If the kids become physically active in young age, they will keep this habit their whole life which in turn brings in lot of physical, mental, and social benefits.
Discipline: Every sport has rules players need to follow. Also, players need to listen to the Coach, Referees. That helps their discipline and fosters playing by rules concept.
Teamwork: Teamwork is a skill which is needed both in personal and professional life. 80-90% for work we do as adult is in a team. All the sports help teamwork. Even individual sports like Swimming, Track, Gymnastic, Tennis etc. have team events.
At the early ages of 3-4 years old, it doesn’t really matter what sports do they play. Just get them playing something and see their interest develop and, in the process you will also learn all the possibilities.
Check with your local Churches, YMCA, and your City Recreational Parks. They probably have some program for kids starting age or 3-4 years old. Lots of kids start recreational sports with playing toddler Soccer, T-ball etc.
Recreational team sports are not very expensive. It is run either by your local Church, YMCA, or local sports organization. Those are mostly run by volunteers utilizing your local city or school facilities. Therefore, the cost is minimal. It costs around 70-80 dollars for a three-month season. Therefore it is a good idea to get your kids involved in these sports even if you cannot commit 100%. If you miss few practices or games nobody is going be mad at you.
Recreational sports are very good from social point of view as well. Kids can learn how to interact with the other kids and the coaches. They learn how to follow the rules and follow coaching. Usually there are team parties, treats after the game, award ceremonies. These are very good events not only for the kids but also for the parents.
Soccer/Basketball are very good sports to start in early age of 4-5 years old as it involves lot of teamwork, running, coordination etc. For Volleyball, you can probably wait till 4-5 grade so that kids have developed enough upper body strength. Some kids play Football very early age. I think it is better to wait to at least 4-5 Grade before starting on Football as well. Many kids start Soccer at early age and then switch to Soccer when they grow up as most of the Athletic abilities are common.
Many kids play Martial Arts (Karate, Taekwondo etc.) at very young age. It is good for their physical activity and discipline. Do not expect your kid to be Bruce Lee any time soon.
