Getting your kids involved in sports from a young age is the perfect way to teach them the values of teamwork, discipline and hard work, as well as keeping them fit and healthy.
The exercise is a fabulous outlet for their energy and children who play sports will learn themselves to lead a healthy social life. Sport is alos a fabulous way to make new friends with similar interests to you.
We’ve compiled a few ideas for sports your child might want to pursue, with the benefits of them all included.
Grab your hurley and sliotar! It’s match-time!
Tennis
This individual sport is an excellent choice for kids with high energy levels. The sport entails great amounts of running and will keep your kids in shape while they’re having fun. It does require hard work on technique and your child will learn how to discipline themselves. A lover of tennis myself, I remember heading down to the tennis club every Thursday, racket in hand and a smile on my face.
Boxing
A controversial one for most parents, but the recent Irish Olympic team and the success of Bray boxer Katie Taylor brought a great sense of positivity to the sport. Boxing builds incredible physical conditioning and willpower. It will be a great advantage to your child to be able to defend themselves too. If they really want to try it, let them and stay and watch them train. You’ll sense of atmosphere of discipline, respect and determination.
Swimming
Many kids take to the idea of swimming, where the water and individual competition provide a calming environment. Racing appeals to competitive youngsters while the variety of events ensures every body type can find a niche. It is a great sport for developing cardiovascular endurance and muscle capacity.
Martial Arts
Your child might express an interest in tae-kwon-do, karate or jiu jitsu. Practicing the martial arts will teach your child the art of self-defence and instil a sense of discipline and philosophy. Your kids will learn how to handle conflict, how to work through diificulty while building physical capacity with strength and conditioning exercises. A must for the brave kids.
Golf
Golf? Yes, indeed. Think of your child as the next multi-millionaire, hole-in-one-putting Rory McIlroy… Though not physically strenuous, it can be frustrating. There is a constant focus on technique. It appeals to a very particular personality but can be guaranteed to teach your child all about discipline and patience.
Rugby
Your little guy or girl probably has dreams of becoming Ireland’s next best rugby star, and let them. It may seem rough on first look, but with the right discipline, skills and attitude, they won’t be safer anywhere else.
Soccer
A fast sport requiring a lot of running, it is a sure one to tire out the youngsters. The large numbers involved means teamwork will be learnt about from day one. Great physical conditioning is involved and soon nothing will satisfy them more than scoring a goal…
Basketball
A five-person team will allow your child to learn all about sharing and teamwork, but leaves them ample room for individual achievement and creativity. The mix of speed, power, conditioning and co-ordination will leave your youngster quite the sporty one.
GAA
And finally, we couldn’t forget! An amateur sport, Gaelic football and hurling will teach your child all about working hard and the love of sport. A great sense of community comes with the GAA and is a great local club to get involved in.
