02/02/2018
Children need ways to burn off energy, while parents are always looking to tear them away from technology.
Which is why it’s great to find sports for kids to try – combining exercise with fun.
Even if you don’t consider your child the active type, there’s bound to be something which inspires them.
For a lot of children, football is a go-to activity – played at school and offered at local clubs. But if this holds no interest for your youngster, don’t despair.
A Canadian study recently reported that the best way to encourage an active, athletic teenager is to expose children to a wider variety of sports from a young age. Children in sport can suffer from fatigue if they are pressured into focusing on just one. And if they lose interest, with nothing to fall back on, their active lifestyle will be over.
There are lots of fun activities for kids at Barracudas camps, with the opportunity for them to try pursuits they’ve never taken part in before.
For most children, sport must seem effortless. Put too much pressure on them, and they switch off. Show a child sport can be fun, and they’ll want to do it again.
The best sports for kids are the ones where they enjoy it so much, it doesn’t feel like an effort.
Here are some sports for kids which offer a variety of benefits - and may just spark a lifelong passion.
Archery
This improves aim, patience and self-control – and kids love playing Robin Hood! Archery is all about focus and concentration, and can be played by all ages and strengths. That’s why it’s so popular once children give it a go.
Cycling
Great for road safety and endurance, this is basically just riding their bikes. Cycling is fast and fun and gives children freedom and independence to get around.
Hockey
Fosters quick thinking, decision-making skills and learning teamwork. Hockey is interval training, but the kids won’t realise that during the excitement of a high intensity game.
Martial arts
Whether it’s Tae Kwon Do, Karate or Judo, martial arts promote focus, respect and co-ordination – as well as being one of those indoor kids activities which can be enjoyed all year round.
Dance
Great for stamina and fitness, this is also good for the memory – as dancers must memorise sequences. There are lots of different styles, from ballroom to streetdance, so your child is bound to find a beat they can move to.
Golf
Golf is one of those outdoor kids activities which gets them enjoying the fresh air and walking for miles – without even realising it. Golf also helps children develop strategy and depth perception.
Baseball
Hand-eye co-ordination and cardiovascular fitness are just two benefits of baseball – which is basically like a game of rounders played with friends. It’s a great, fun, stress relief which requires focus and takes their minds off their worries.
Fencing
Posture, posture, posture. Body position is a big part of fencing, as it promotes balance and a straight body, as well as making them think of strategy – as they try to anticipate their opponent’s next move.
Softball
This is a great sport that can be played by kids of all ages, providing full body conditioning and teaching them mental alertness and teamwork. Plus it’s loads of fun.
Tennis
Fast-thinking, technique and arm strength are honed, as your child develops accuracy in this sport. And with Wimbledon and Andy Murray to inspire them, kids are bound to enjoy giving this a go.