How do you know how to choose the right football club for 5-year-olds to join? Get it right and down the line your progeny might bring you a Bentley Continental for Father’s Day; get it wrong and he’ll be put off the beautiful game forever.
I’m joking of course. I’m not one of those dads that pushes a football career on their child in the hopes of living vicariously through them, but at the same time, I think football offers a lot to young children. Apart from the obvious health benefits, an interest in football also serves to enhance their social skills. Think about how many times two blokes who don’t know each other have initiated a conversation with “do you know how City got on today?”.
So what factors do you need to consider when choosing a football club for a young child?
The current ability of your child
When I first started thinking of sending my son to a football club, some of my friends had suggestions for me based on where they used to go, or where their kids go to. The majority of these seemed to be a bit of a jump ability-wise from where my son was at the time. If your child shows a natural aptitude for footy, then perhaps this is the way to go. If they’re pretty new to the game though, a more gentle and fun introduction is less likely to scare them off. Kids hate not being able to do something, and if all the other kids are doing Cruyff turns and curling screamers into the top corner whilst your child is still struggling to dribble, the divide will be too frustrating for your little one.
Where do their mates go?
If your child has any friends that already attend football club, find out which one they go to. Your child will have a much easier time settling into a new club if they already have some familiar faces there. Luckily my child’s club is closely linked to his school, so he already knew a half of the kids there.
Location
So you’ve found the perfect football club for 5-year-olds. It’s just right for their skill level and has some of their friends already there. Problem is that it’s 15 miles away and starts at 5pm. If you have to rush to get there or have a relatively long journey, your child might not be bothered enough to go. Kids can feel wiped out after a day at school, and even if they enjoy football, a long trip and rushed dinner might feel too much like a chore.
Do they actually want to go?
Sounds like a daft category to add, but you see so many parents push their own interests onto their children, that sometimes it’s more a case that the parent wants the child to go rather than the kid themself showing an interest. Kids often need a gentle push, but make sure that they’re actually enjoying the game, rather than just trying to keep you happy. Football’s supposed to be fun!
In my son’s first game, he scored an absolute belter. Running over to me beaming from ear to ear, I didn’t have the heart to tell him he’d just put it past his own keeper. In the future, he’ll remember how proud I was of him, rather than the confused looks on his teammates’ faces.
So there you have it, a guide to ensuring a 7-digit salary for your offspring in the future and securing your retirement plans in the process. Be warned though, it’s maybe worth adding a disclaimer that children with an interest in football could possibly grow up to be referees.
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