Sports for kids can be a wonderful thing. If put in the right context by parents and coaches, sports can help kids develop and become quality citizens in our society.
The amount of life lessons that can be developed and learned from in youth sports is impressive. Here at sportswarrior365 we have played, coaches and supported our kids in the journey of sports.
The journey ahead can be amazing, go create it! We encourage all kids to do something. Whether that is sports, theatre activity, science camps, or something STEM related – the bottom line is to get involved.
As a parent it is time consuming, but the benefits for the kids are worth the time and money investment. While some get kids involved for college scholarships, we are all about the experience and the journey.
Below is a list of fall sports for kids. We will give a brief description of each sport, provide our top three reasons for sports and finish with some tips to help your kids with our top 11 fall sports for kids.
Fall Sports For Kids
- Soccer
- Football
- Flag Football
- Volleyball
- Tennis
- Cross Country
- Ice Hockey
- Cheerleading
- Gymnastics
- Lacrosse
- Golf
Soccer
Soccer is a wonderful sport for kids. It provides great exercise, teamwork, and develops great footwork. The sport is a great foundational sport for other sports kids might eventually participate in. The game of soccer works well with young kids because the ball is always in motion on the ground.
Some of the best professional athletes in other sports, started playing soccer early on and their childhood. This includes Odell Beckham Jr and Kobe Bryant. Many local YMCAs and recreation departments start soccer as early as four years old.
Football
Another fall sport that is unique. We know that the game of football can build great character and toughness. However, the kid must be able to handle certain levels of contact.
Often times, the coaches could be more aggressive in their approach than in a game like soccer. This is OK, as long as your kid is ready for it and you can provide the proper support at home. By the time kids get to high school, many play football and enjoy the Friday night experience.
Football takes less skill than a sport like soccer or basketball. You can take an awesome athlete in high school and they can convert to a quality receiver or running back. Many of the tackle football leagues will begin at around age 8 or 9 for kids.
Recently, in certain parts of the country, a modified version of football is being utilized. It is an approach where the field is condensed and players are matched up with opponents their size. It is a great idea to increase the numbers in youth football.
Flag Football
Another great alternative to grow football numbers for young kids. It helps build the foundational skills needed and the athletic ability needed to be successful in the game of football.
Many parents are concerned about the potential head injuries that can result in football and the flag game is an excellent alternative. Players are still able to develop the ability to run routes, catch the ball and throw the ball.
They can also grow their understanding on the defense side of the ball. Some people believe that flag football could be utilized all the way up through the 8th grade before converting to tackle football.
Volleyball
A more popular sport for girls than boys in most parts of the country, although the number of varsity volleyball teams for boys is growing nationwide. This is a game that many players absolutely love. It is a game you can play for a lifetime and many do.
There are plenty of indoor leagues as well as beach volleyball leagues that provide opportunities to play coed as well into adulthood. The junior Olympics level of volleyball is growing nationwide and is at high popularity rate currently.
The difficult part with volleyball is there are only six players on a court at a time. It is a game that takes practice year-round to reach the highest levels. It takes a high level of teamwork as well, as the players must work together to get the ball back over the net.
Tennis
Another lifetime sport that you can play well into the late stages of life. It is an awesome workout, that is a classy game and enjoyed by people of all ages. The younger you start, the better chance you have of playing the game at a higher level.
One of the major benefits of tennis is that it can be played year-round at different indoor facilities and most municipalities have local parks with tennis courts. The game is simple to get started with as it only takes a racket and some tennis balls.
Getting a lesson or two for a beginner could help set the kid on the right path with tennis. Most recreation departments will run a tennis camp, which would be a wonderful way to get a kid started. Here at sports were 365, we love the game of tennis and believe that it has great value in the lifelong opportunities.
We are all on a journey and the ability to play a sport into adulthood helps us stay healthy both mentally and physically.
Cross Country
While it could be difficult to find a cross country team prior to the middle school level for kids, the opportunity to join a running club could be highly beneficial for a lot of kids. Many kids have a high energy level and running is one way to use the energy toward something positive.
The opportunity to run cross country at the high school level is typically very beneficial for students as there is a family atmosphere and one where coaches and players are all on the journey together. Running long distance takes discipline and dedication to not only the sport, but taking care of yourself physically with a healthy diet and the proper maintenance.
As a former high school athletic director, I always felt that cross country provided a wonderful sport for kids that enjoy the journey and the camaraderie that cross country brings. If your kid has high energy, finding a running club might be the perfect match.
Ice hockey
While ice hockey can be rather expensive for the parent, it is another opportunity for kids to be involved. Hockey is rather popular in the northern Midwest portion of the United States. it is a highly skilled sport due to the requirement to be able to ice skate.
Getting your kid involved in ice hockey takes a certain level of dedication for the parents as travel and money are often at a high-level. However, if your kid loves it, it might be worth it! The goal is to get kids involved in something that they can love and work hard at.
Cheerleading
A potential great sport for young girls to get involved with. It provides an opportunity to have confidence in who you are as a person. Cheerleading is often dance-based, which can provide young kids with confidence in their body and the ability to move.
Some young kids might decide to pursue the competitive side of cheerleading, which takes many hours of dedication and practice to reach the highest levels. as kids get to high school, the opportunity to join a cheerleading team at the middle school and high school is present.
Gymnastics
One of the more expensive options, but a great foundational sport for all of athletics. At a young age, the ability to develop a strong base and athletic movements has long-term benefits for future sports. The more advanced gymnast brings in potential injuries as well.
However, at a young age, the befits are fantastic. Once an athlete reaches a certain level, the cost and time commitment increases significantly. However, if your kid truly loves the sport, the money and time just might be worth it all.
Lacrosse
Lacrosse has become much more popular in the United States in the past decade. Many communities and high schools are starting teams. Both boys and girls have opportunities to play the sport. like all the sports listed above, there are some major benefits to being involved and having a kid fully commit to being the best version of themselves.
Golf
A true game for a lifetime. The long-term benefits of being able to play golf at a high-level are significant. It helps in the business world and with meeting new people and being a classy individual.
The mental and physical demands of the game help someone develop composure, clear thinking and how to handle emotions surrounding the game and in life. Many local golf courses will run camps for young kids, these could help a golfer with the fundamentals if he or she gets started with the game.
Golf is a highly skilled game that takes time and proper training. Golf can become an expensive sport in terms of green fees and the proper training.
To learn more about becoming an excellent golfer visit GolfJourney365. One of the major benefits of golf in certain parts of the world, a golfer can develop their skills year-round. It is also a lifetime sport that people enjoy into their 80s.
Top Three Reasons Kids Should Play Sports
1 – Interactions and Relationships
Sports are a great way for kids to learn how to deal with teammates, coaches and officials. While it can be challenging, there are many learning opportunities and relationships to be built.
There are many different personalities that kids end up having to interact with and this can be done is a safe and controlled environment. Regardless of the outcome of the game, kids learn how to deal with the highs and lows of playing support and being quality people.
2 – Teamwork
The interaction with teammates and working towards a common goal is priceless. While not everything is going to be perfect, working through difficult situations will help kids with future interactions in life.
There will be the teammate that doesn’t work hard or the teammate that is a little selfish – these are all situations that we deal with as adults in the workplace as well. Sports provides a great way to develop the skill of dealing with difficult situations from a team aspect.
3 – Fitness
With the amount of childhood obesity, keeping kids active in sports is a great way to fight this issue. Kids have an opportunity to run around in a fun and safe setting and burn off energy.
This is health not only from a physical standpoint, but also from an overall health standpoint as well. Keeping kids active year round and helping them develop a positive self image can go a long way in their development as a teenager and an adult.
Check out our complete post which includes seven reasons kids should play sports, here.
3 Tips to Help your Kid Succeed
1 – Be Encouraging
Be positive with your kid. Do not get in the car after the game and be overly critical on a missed play or a bad decision. Instead help them grow and ask questions to have them spend time reflecting, but always find a way to be encouraging.
2 – Be Supportive
Be there for your kid. There is no replacement for being at the game and remaining positive. Find a way to add to the team and the overall atmosphere at the game. Simply being in attendance is huge for kids and while we understand work schedules, make every effort to be there and show your support.
3 – Be a Good Listener
Kids often want to talk. Ask the right questions to get them talking and listen to what they are saying. When it is time to step up and potentially play club soccer or AAU basketball, make sure it is something they want to do.
Continue to monitor their overall workload and the balance between life, school and sports. Listen to your kid and ask quality questions about how they are feeling and what their experience has been like.
Below is an extra Ted Talk on Youth Sports and how to balance all of the demands:
Related Questions…
Should my kid specialize in a sport?
We believe that kids should start off by trying many different sports. There are many benefits to playing multiple sports and switching seasons. There are some situations where a specialization in sports is something a good thing, but generally speaking playing at least two sports carries major benefits.
What if my kids coach is a screamer?
Try to balance the coach out at key times, such as on the way home from practice by being encouraging and supportive. Your kid will survive if you play the situation right and do not overreact to the situation. If it gets to a certain level, you could always contact the coach when your kid is not around and express your concerns.
What should be the goal of a season?
My goal as a coach is that at the end of the year, the kids want to play again the following year and that they have developed some skills and love for the game.
By making a goal that players want to continue on with the sport, I feel that I have been successful in making the experience fun and supportive for the kids. We want kids to have a positive feeling about the sport and hopeful for their future experiences with the sport.
What is the best sport to start with?
I would recommend starting with a several day soccer game or something similar that has a low level of commitment and is hopefully fun and encouraging.
We want kids to stick with sports and a 3-5 day start just might be the perfect combination. Soccer is a great sport for footwork development, teamwork, and the game allows kids to run around and get some energy out.
Take Action…
Sports can be an amazing experience for kids and help shape who they will be as teenagers and adults. Find a way to be supportive, encouraging and a great listener.
You want your kid to have fun and feel a commitment to the team while developing and learning from the many life lessons that are presented. Make sure you stay calm at the game and refrain from yelling at officials, coaches or players.
Stay positive in your cheering and look for a way to make the experience better for all involved. Try to have quality conversations with your kid after the event and ask the right questions.
Kids that play sports in high school or are involved with other activities often have a lower risk of poor grades, risky behaviors and overall success in school. Keep the activities fun, engaging and positive for your kid! There are great opportunities to learn, win or lose and it often comes down to how the adults respond. Be the positive adult that your kid needs!
