At 6 years old, your child has most likely been going to school for a couple of years. With that routine locked on, it might be time to start introducing your 6 year old to football or another sporting activity.
Football is the world’s most recognisable and loved sport, we also believe it’s one of the easier-to-learn sports making it an ideal first sport for many young children.
Here is our advice on how to familiarise your child with football before enrolling in lessons.
Signs Your 6 Year Old Would Enjoy Football
There are endless options for children when it comes to extracurricular activities. We all want the absolute best for our children, and for them to find a hobby they enjoy and are passionate about. That said, it’d be a challenge to put them into every club- there are just not enough hours in the week!
The truth is, you never know you’re going to like something unless you give it a try. However, there are signs to look out for that your little one may take a shine to sporting environments, especially football.
Is your child a natural leader?
Football is a team sport centred on excellent communication, sportsmanship, peer support, and of course, leadership. If your child shows signs of being a natural leader, they may thrive in a sports environment.
Does your child love practicing something?
Have you ever been stuck watching 20 cartwheels on repeat until your child scores the perfect 10/10? If so, we can relate. Children are excellent at persevering and being resilient. They may enjoy the task of learning new skills and be set enjoyable challenges in football lessons.
Does your child enjoy watching football?
Have they shown particular attention when football is on the TV? Or have they been to a game? The idea of one day growing up to be one of those players may be motivation enough to get started with football lessons.
Does your child enjoy learning new things?
Even though they’re 6 years old, we are often amazed by how quickly children pick things up. Being in the environment of football lessons is perfect for children who enjoy learning new things and picking up new skills.
Even if your child finds learning new things more difficult or it’s a longer process, taking part in football academy lessons can help engage your children in different ways. A great coach will also find ways of helping your child to enjoy what they are doing and learn at their own pace.
Could your 6 year old benefit from starting football?
You know what is best for your child. And sometimes, trying something unexpected or out of their comfort zone is instrumental for their confidence. That’s why at Kixx, we offer a money-back guarantee if your child doesn’t enjoy their first session. Everyone can at least give it a go without anything to worry about.
Ways To Introduce Your 6 Year Old To Football
There are many physical, emotional, and social benefits that football can have on your 6 year old. So, it is no surprise that you’re interested in kicking off your child’s new football hobby!
Before enrolling on a football academy, there are several ways you can introduce your 6 year old to football in the comfort of your home. Here are some tips to, quite literally, get the ball rolling…
- Create Interest: Football brings people together. The comradery and excitement it creates can be hard to find anywhere else. The most obvious and easiest way to introduce your child to football is watching it with them. Whilst the TV is an option, we would recommend watching a game in the fresh air and there will be plenty of local teams where you can start to save money.
- Bring In The Basics: Here at Kixx, we are big advocates of fun and learning through play. This can be essential for child development. You could start including basic football skills to playtime at home. That way, when your child starts football lessons, they’ll have a head start!
- Introduce Them To Your Team: One of the most important aspects of football is the dedicated supporters. They’re the heart of the sport. And 9 times out of 10, the team we support is the team our parents support!
- Be Supportive: Starting something new at any age can be scary for some children (Some adults too). But support and encouragement from those that we love make all the difference. When your child sees you cheering them on, that will give them all the confidence they need!
- Make It Social: Doing something as a group is always more fun! Organising football playdates helps develop friendships and makes starting football that much more fun.
- Positive Reinforcement: Admittedly, the saying ‘parents know best’ rings true a lot of the time. Our parents never let us quit at the first hurdle. Sometimes, we just needed some extra encouragement. So, if your little one is hesitant or nervous when it comes to football, offer the same reassurance.
Introducing Your 6 Year Old To Football At Kixx
Introducing your 6 year old to football is an exciting time. It’s the beginning of endless amounts of enjoyment and lasting friendships. And when it comes to football for 6 year olds, we believe there is no better place to start than Kixx!
At the heart of everything we do here at Kixx, is the lasting positive impact we want to have on every child at every opportunity. We deliver innovative football lessons to children ages 18 months to 11 years old. We support their development and most importantly, encourage them to be themselves and have fun. If you’d like to know more about what sets us apart, here are 4 reasons to choose our football classes.
If you think your little one is ready to start football lessons, then you can use this link to find an academy. Alternatively, for more advice on introducing your 6 year old to football, you can contact us.