Choosing the Right Sport for Kids: A Guide for Activity Providers

As an activity provider, you’re more than just a facilitator; you’re a motivator, mentor, and sometimes even a child’s first connection to the joys of sports. Helping children discover the right sport for their interests, personalities, and developmental needs can be transformative, supporting physical, emotional, and social growth while steering them away from screens.

Choosing the right sport for children aged 6 to 12 can be a game-changer in their lives—it’s about discovering what lights up their passion. This blog covers six essential factors to help you support parents in making the best choice for their child while ensuring every activity is safe, engaging, and fun.

1. Consider Their Interests

Kids thrive when they’re excited about what they’re doing. The first step is uncovering what piques their curiosity. Does the child already talk about soccer stars or dream of dribbling like their basketball heroes? Great!

For kids without a clear preference, you can suggest these simple strategies to parents:

• Watch sports highlights: Platforms like YouTube are treasure troves of sports clips. Highlight reels or “best moments” videos can spark curiosity in even the shyest of kids.
• Attend live games: The buzz of a stadium, the energy of cheering crowds, and the thrill of seeing athletes in action can be unforgettable experiences that motivate children to get involved.

2. Match the Sport to Their Personality and Skills

Kids are unique, and so are their preferences. Activity providers can guide parents in considering a child’s:

• Personality traits: Is the child outgoing and energetic? Team sports like football or basketball might suit them. For introverted kids, individual sports like swimming or gymnastics can be just as rewarding.
• Developing skills: Remind parents that kids are still growing physically and emotionally. That quiet child who loves puzzles today might become a fierce competitor on the field tomorrow.

Encourage parents to keep an open mind. A child doesn’t need to fit the “perfect player” stereotype to enjoy or excel in a sport. Passion often beats raw talent when it comes to growth and development!

3. Weigh Practical Factors

Sports shouldn’t be a source of stress for families. Help parents think through these logistics:

• Costs: Can the family afford equipment, uniforms, or travel expenses? Offering transparency about fees upfront prevents future challenges.
• Time commitments: Some sports require more frequent practices or travel. Helping parents evaluate how much time they can realistically commit ensures their child can participate without feeling overwhelmed.
• Access to qualified coaches: A great coach can make all the difference in building a child’s skills, confidence, and love for the game.

By helping parents address these practicalities, you pave the way for a smoother, more enjoyable experience for everyone.

4. Prioritise Safety

Safety is often the first concern parents have, and it’s your role to reassure them. Equip your programmes with:

• Concussion protocols and injury insurance
• Access to trainers or first aid staff
• Age-appropriate equipment

And don’t forget to educate parents. For instance, while football gets a bad rap for injuries, studies show sports like basketball and even cycling often have higher rates of accidents. By prioritising safety in your programmes and communicating these measures clearly, you give parents peace of mind.

5. Encourage Multi-Sport Participation

Specialising too early in one sport can lead to burnout and increased injury risk. Encourage parents to let kids experiment with multiple sports during this golden developmental window.

Why is this important?

• Varied physical development: Different sports engage different muscle groups, improving overall fitness and coordination.
• Reduced risk of overuse injuries: Trying different activities reduces repetitive strain on growing bodies.
• Building a love for physical activity: Kids discover what truly excites them when they have the freedom to explore.

Promote this philosophy in your programmes to help kids find balance and joy in staying active.

6. Ensure They’re Having Fun

The number one reason kids quit sports is because they stop having fun. Studies show that 70% of kids drop out of sports by age 13 because the joy gets overshadowed by pressure or lack of engagement.

Encourage parents to look for non-verbal signs of their child’s enjoyment:

• Are they excited to practice? observe their body language
• Do they smile during games?
• Are they eager to share what they’ve learned?

As an activity provider, foster a culture where fun comes first. Kids who enjoy their sports journey are more likely to stick with it, grow their skills, and build friendships that last a lifetime.

Your Role as an Activity Provider

By guiding parents through these six considerations, you don’t just help kids find a sport rather you help them conquer their fear, find confidence and a lifelong love for physical activity steering them away from screens and into a world filled with sports and friendships.

This blog was inspired by this insightful video. Check it out for even more tips on helping kids find their perfect sport!

If you’re an activity provider looking to enhance your programs or need assistance in guiding parents, get in touch with us at Enrolmy. Fill out our form and let’s work together to make a positive impact on children’s lives through sports!