As a parent or guardian, balancing your child’s time can be a challenge. But when it comes to physical activity, getting the right amount is crucial for healthy development, both physically and emotionally.
At Kixx, we believe sport should be a regular part of every child’s life—and football is one of the best ways to make that happen. In this blog, we’ll share the NHS guidelines for children’s physical activity by age and explore engaging ways to keep your child active and happy.
NHS Guidelines: How Active Should Children Be?
The NHS recommends different activity levels depending on a child’s age. Here’s a helpful breakdown:
- Infants (Under 1 year): Several active sessions daily—crawling, floor play, and interactive movement.
- Toddlers (1–2 years): At least 3 hours of physical activity each day through walking, exploring, and play.
- Preschoolers (3–4 years): A minimum of 180 minutes of activity daily, including 60+ minutes of moderate to vigorous activity.
- Children (5–10+ years): At least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous intensity activity every day.
Top Sports to Help Your Child Stay Active
Discovering a sport your child enjoys can be an exciting moment—it may even spark a lifelong passion! By introducing them to a variety of activities, you’ll help them stay engaged and meet recommended activity levels more easily.
Here are some popular and beneficial options:
- Football: Boosts cardiovascular health, coordination, and teamwork.
- Swimming: Full-body workout and a vital life skill.
- Gymnastics: Develops flexibility, strength, and focus.
- Martial Arts: Teaches discipline, balance, and self-defence.
- Cycling: Great for fitness and fun for the whole family.
- Dance: Builds rhythm, flexibility, and confidence.
Why Football Is Fantastic for Kids’ Development
No surprise—we’re big fans of football at Kixx! Football is not only accessible and exciting, it also supports your child’s physical, social, and emotional growth.
It helps children:
- Improve fitness through fun, high-energy movement
- Develop communication, cooperation, and confidence
- Build resilience, discipline, and a sense of achievement
At Kixx, our innovative curriculum is designed for children aged 18 months to 10 years, with sessions tailored to each stage of development. Our aim is to foster a lifelong love for football while building strong character and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.
Benefits of Weekly Football Lessons at Kixx
- Consistency: Helps build a routine where physical activity is part of everyday life.
- Social Development: Children make new friends and learn to work as part of a team.
- Skill Progression: Structured sessions build confidence and measurable skills.
- Life Skills: From teamwork to perseverance, the lessons go far beyond the pitch.
Our mission at Kixx is to positively impact 100,000 children every week, helping them grow and develop both on and off the pitch. We’re proud to play a part in shaping happy, active, and confident young people.
Parent Spotlight: Matthew, Kixx Hull
“Since Harry started at Kixx Hull at Sirius West Academy, I’ve seen a huge boost in his confidence and social skills. He looks forward to every session and comes home full of energy and excitement. As a parent, I couldn’t ask for more—Kixx has been fantastic for him.”
— Matthew, parent of Harry (Kixx Hull)
Come and Join #TeamOrange!
So, how much sport should a child do? The NHS offers clear guidance—and football is a brilliant way to help your child hit those targets while having a blast.
With Kixx, your child can develop vital skills, make new friends, and enjoy a fun, energetic introduction to sport in a supportive, inclusive environment.
Ready to get started? Visit www.kixx.org.uk to find your nearest academy and enrol today!
If you have any questions, feel free to call us on 01302 618080 or email admin@kixx.org.uk — we’d love to hear from you.
