How to make my child love football is an ideal question any proud, football-loving parent would ask.
There is nothing wrong with wanting to pass on your love for the beautiful game to your children. However, too much pressure too early can have the opposite effect.
It’s hard to fall in love with football if there isn’t a sense of fun involved.
We’ve outlined a few ideas to help make the introduction to football fun and memorable, whether you’re supporting a local team or desperate to get your child involved.
How To Make My Child Love Football
1. Start Early
It’s always helpful to get your child interested in football from an early age, so go out and buy a ball when your baby turns one.
In addition to teaching them essential motor skills, the ball will also plant the seed for their interest in playing football later on in life.
Once your toddler can walk and run, upgrade that ball to a miniature soccer ball that you can kick about with him in the park.
2. Kick the Ball Around
Kicking things comes naturally to most children, including a ball. It is reasonably sure that kicking will begin without prompting if you put a child and a ball on a lawn.
It has such a satisfying feeling, and it doesn’t require any particular skill other than the ability to swing your foot at a sphere.
When there are no goals, shared purpose, or skill requirements, all that remains is fun – and that’s an unforgettable experience.
3. Play For Fun
Children are less bothered about the competition at two and three; they want to have fun.
And if the game is fun, your child will want to do it at every opportunity. However, his ability will be improving at the same time. At this stage, your child won’t even know it.
4. Invite His Their Friends Along
Children love to tell their friends about their favorite experiences. The fun is often heightened, and bonds are formed. Avoid the temptation to divide your toddlers into teams.
Let them share the ball and work together to kick the ball into a makeshift goal. After the experience, friends will talk about their exploits, making it even more special.
5. Show Them Basics Football Drills
Besides teaching the essential act of kicking, there is nothing wrong with teaching control, passing, and shooting if it makes the game more enjoyable.
However, it would be best if you remained calm and patient. If your child does not seem interested or is not following your instructions, ramp up the fun again – there is no rush.
6. Watch Football Games Together
This was how I fell in love with football. Many children become interested in football after watching professionals footballers play on the TV.
If your child is still between 1-and 3 years, it’s probably best to stick to highlights. Choose a cup game you know that is fun and full of goals and watch. You can watch your favorite player or local team in action if possible.
By watching professional soccer teams with stars like Messi or Ronaldo, any child can learn more about soccer, dream about becoming a pro, and enjoy soccer fun and relaxation.
7. Take Them To Local Club Open Days
Your child’s interest in football might increase significantly once he goes to school every day. This might be a perfect time to expose them to a more organized and disciplined footballing environment.
Local football clubs often hold open days to attract new players, so you might consider taking your child to one of these events – even if to watch.
The way coaches interact with young players can give them an accurate idea of what it is like to be on a team.
8. Take Them To Local Outdoor Events
It’s essential to have fun! Football-related activities are often at family fun days, festivals, and fairs. Your child might be able to gain a new perspective on the game by participating in this activity.
9. Introduce Them To Your Favorite Team
As you may know, football is a game of passion, loyalty, and family allegiances. Many of us don’t choose our football team; instead, our football teams choose us.
We gradually fall in love with our club, which often serves as a powerful motivator to pick up the game ourselves. Explain to your child why you support your local club, a club your family supports, or one of the elite teams.
While it may be too early to attend a game, try to arrange a stadium tour. You might be able to participate in an open training session as well. Finally, purchase a replica jersey for your child, which may instill a sense of great pride.
In their unique way, children form bonds with the beautiful game. Rather than being the stereotypical pushy parent, give your child a gentle push in the right direction.
10. Enrol in an Academy
Numerous football academies in Europe are linked to significant clubs. These schools accept both boys and girls and children as young as four.
Enrolling your child in a football academy is an excellent way to introduce them to the game.
Furthermore, they are excellent places to meet like-minded people who share a love of football and hone their skills with talented coaches.
There are other numerous things you can do to get your child to fall in love with football, and the benefits of being a part of the beautiful game are limitless.
Team sports like football are unquestionably beneficial to your children, from learning to be a part of a team to improving social skills, boosting self-esteem, and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Read Also: How To Make My Child Love Studying
Tips To Get Your Child Love Football
1. Ask them the right question after each practice or game
How did you find training? Do you feel anything about your performance last night? One or two questions demonstrate your interest, whereas too many may appear to be pressuring your athlete.
2. Give your child the chance to work outside of practice
If your young athlete says no, leave it at that and bring it up again when they are ready to work on improving.
3. Attend as many games as possible
This shows your support and may encourage young athletes to push themselves.
4. Let your child make their own choices
If they make a wrong decision, let them suffer the natural consequences. This is most likely one of the most influential teachers ever.
Suppose your child doesn’t get much playing time because they are a slacker in practice. However, if your young athlete works hard and reaps the benefits, it motivates them to work even harder in the future.
5. Don’t let your anxiety push your child
Don’t let your child’s anxiety motivate them to perform to make you feel happy. It only teaches them to please you. It also diverts your young athlete’s attention away from internal motivation.
6. Recognize and reward hard work
It expresses your support without tying your feelings to their performance.
7. Allow your child to enjoy good games, points scored, and games won
When their hard work pays off, they will be motivated to work even harder.
8. Ask your child the right questions
What do you truly desire? What is your motivation for participating in this sport? What motivates you to work harder? Listen carefully when they speak.
Even if you disagree with the answers, you must respect them. Allowing your young athlete to set their own goals and desires fosters confidence, a powerful motivator to perform at the highest level.
Do not, under any circumstances, blame yourself for your child’s lack of motivation. Your child’s athletic performance does not define you.
The success of your young athlete does not make you a super-parent. You should not be ashamed or embarrassed by your mistakes.
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FAQs
At what age do children like football?
The best age for a child to play football is three or five. Playing football with your child at home is the simplest and most convenient way to teach them the game.
What are the chances of my child becoming a professional footballer?
It simply read ‘0.012 percent,’ It was a reference to research that found that only 180 of the 1.5 million boys playing organized youth football in England will ever play a single minute in the English League.
That means they have a slightly better chance of making it to the top flight than being struck by lightning, but not by much.
What age do professional soccer players start?
The average age of a professional soccer player’s career can start at 14, 15, or 16.
Some players, primarily goalkeepers, play in the first division after 40.
Goalkeepers are the most common players to make it past their forties. Of course, there are some exceptions.
How many children become professional football players?
Fewer than 1% of all children who start playing in academies at the age of nine will play professionally at any level.
Only 180 of the UK’s 1.5 million youth footballers are likely to make it to the top English League.
Do Football Academy players go to school?
Suppose a scholarship contract is on the table. In that case, the player will re-locate closer to the football club, but as part of the contract will be expected to continue with school education at the nearest local college, enrolling in courses such as A-levels, BTEC, or GNVQs.
At what age do footballers get scouted?
Your child can get scouted in football from the ages of 7 until 22. Most footballers get scouted by football academies at 13.
There isn’t necessarily a specific age when you’re too old to be scouted; however, the average age for being scouted is in your early twenties.
Take-Home
I hope this article has given in-depth knowledge to your question of how to make my child love football. Remember, don’t force it.
Start early, make him familiar with the game, and never forget; it’s just a game meant to be fun. If he starts to perceive football as an obligation, he may begin to lose interest.
If you have any other ideas that have worked for kindly let us know by dropping us an email.