What is the best sport for your child to play?

[Teetotal]

Being a parent who has a very active son, I am keen to get him playing and interested in as many sports as possible to keep him active and out of trouble. Athletics, Tennis, Football, Cricket, Golf, Rugby, but which is the best for your kids? Golf teaches you many great skills, in life - but perhaps doesn't teach you the values of teamwork such as Football and Rugby. Then again golf surely has better role models for our children. What sport do you think is the best sport for your kids?

 

[AliB]

I would just let him do as many as possible and see what he's good at and enjoys. Like you say, it will keep him active and out of trouble. Team games are good, but if his aptitude is for golf or something more individual, go with it. Success at any sport will increase his confidence and social skills.
Good luck
AliB

 

[GB72]

I played rugby from the age of 7 and have found it to be a great help throughout my life. It has encouraged me to integrate with others and the role models in the game are pretty good. There are also such varieties of skills needed in the game that there is a postion for everyone. Certainly every time I moved house or when I went to university, all I needed to do was pitch up at the local rugby club and I had an immediate group of friends. Also helps that rugby clubs do not change their kit every year when it comes to buying for kids.

 

[pjaz]

I agree with Ali B - let them try lots to find what they like. However, bear in mind that children are happy to do any kind of sporting activity if their parents do it. My oldest (8 3/4) plays golf, tennsi, athletics, rounders, swimming, kickboxing etc. He likes golf though and as I also have a 3 yr old this is something we can all do together (driving range, putting green and crazy golf addicts). The hardest part is seeing how good they are and realising that by the time he reaches 10 he'll be as good if not better than me at golf.

 

[rgs]

In my view kids should try as many sports as possible until their early/late teens when they can then decide which sport to play seriously-its difficult to play too many sports at a high competitive level when you are in your twenties.

 

[medwayjon]

I am a big advocate of football. However only if the kids like it. When I was a boy some many of the lads in my team hated it but went along with it because of pushy dads tryig to live out their failed dreams through their sons.

I think that golf is a great game for kids. I think that a dress-code and a set of rules instills respect for law & authority to a certain extent. Watching some of the golf pro's today is good for kids too as idolising somebody like tiger is surely better than el hadji diouf!