Fall means the start of a new school year, cooler weather (eventually), and lots of fun outdoor activities! When children head back to school, they get the opportunity to try new types of activities, especially sports. If you are looking to get your child interested in fall sports, you are not alone!
At Sawyer, our wonderful educators have a variety of great fall sports for kids, toddlers, and everyone in between. Continue reading to learn about the different types of fall sports available and then sign your child up and get out there!
Why are sports good for kids?
When children play sports, they gain so many benefits physically, socially, and emotionally. Even if your child is not the most athletic, they can still gain important life skills and mental endurance from trying out new sports and playing on a team.
Here are some of the many reasons why sports are good for kids.
Physically, sports help children:
- Studies show that children who participate in sports see improved bone health, cardiovascular health, muscular fitness, and weight status.
- Sports help children develop their fine and gross motor skills, stay active, and increase endurance.
- Active children sleep better at night.
Mentally, sports help children:
- In team sports, children learn to work together with others and also get the opportunity to practice being a leader.
- When children play individual sports, like tennis or golf, they learn about positive self-talk, gain confidence in themselves, and practice relying on themselves.
- Studies also show that children who participate in sports have lower rates of anxiety, depression, and stress, increased performance in school, fewer instances of risky behavior, and higher self-esteem than children who do not.
Socially, sports help children:
- Team sports help children learn important communication skills and accountability.
- Children learn how to work together to accomplish a shared goal.
- Participating in sports allows children to make new friends and interact with mentors.
Sports also set children up for success in life:
- Participating in sports as a child helps build positive habits that can last through adulthood.
- Continued participation in sports often leads to improved mental and physical health throughout their life.
- Studies show that adolescents who play sports are 8 times more likely to be physically active at age 24 than those who do not play sports.
- Children who play sports gain important life skills that they continue to use as they grow up. Examples include goal setting, work ethic, time management, teamwork, communication, empathy, resilience, critical thinking, and leadership skills.
- Sports teach children determination, discipline, and dedication.
Fall sports for toddlers
You might look at your toddler and wonder how they can play a sport when they often walk around like a drunken sailor. And yes, toddlers might not be the most athletic or coordinated, but getting them involved in sports can help them establish these skills and gain interest in continuing to play as they grow up. However, it is important to remember that the goal of sports for toddlers is just to expose them to different types of activities, get them to run around, enjoy some outdoor time, and have fun.
Try some of these fall sports for toddlers to get the ball rolling on your future athlete (or participation award winner):
- Soccer. If you have visited a public park in the fall (or spring), you have probably stumbled upon a toddler soccer class. Soccer is a great sport for toddlers because they get to run around, kick a ball, and have fun while learning skills like balance, self awareness, and multitasking. Toddlers who participate in soccer also get a chance to practice playing on a team, which is great for their development.
- Tee ball. Another classic toddler sport is tee ball. The introduction to baseball or softball, tee ball takes some of the difficulty out of the sport by allowing the player to hit straight from a tee. Toddlers love wielding the bat and watching the ball fly as they run around the bases.
- Gymnastics. Toddlers are extremely flexible and often they are not afraid of anything. Signing your toddler up for youth gymnastics, tumbling, and musical acro classes is fun for them and lets them explore what they can do in a safe environment. There are so many benefits of gymnastics for kids.
- Biking. Fall means cooler weather and that means you are more likely to spend time outdoors with your toddler without risking a meltdown because of the heat. Learning to ride a bike and spending time biking as a family are great fall sports and activities for toddlers. Use our guide to learn how to teach your child to ride a bike.
- Martial arts. Toddlers are rolling balls of energy. Signing your toddler up for martial arts activities can help them get their energy out in an organized fashion. They get the opportunity to practice new skills while having fun and kicking the air. Not sure if your child should try martial arts? Our blog post has the answers!
Fall sports for kids
Whether you decide to sign your child up for sports through their school or an outside enrichment program that you can find on Sawyer, they will benefit from participating. At the start of a new school year, joining a team and playing a sport can help your child develop life skills, make new friends, and grow as a person.
Try one of these fall sports for kids this year:
- Tennis. Is your child showing interest in the US Open? If so, tennis would be a great sport to try this fall! It requires muscle memory, so if your child is interested in learning, it is best to start them early. As your child practices their swing and learns more about the game, they gain confidence, critical thinking, and problem solving skills.
- Lacrosse. Lacrosse has become a very popular sport among youth in recent years. It’s a team sport that requires little equipment and a lot of running. Children who start playing at a young age practice working on a team and building endurance.
- Flag football. Fall is football season for many Americans. Signing your child up for flag football can be a good way for them to get their energy out, work hard on a team, and try something new. Flag football means less contact than tackle, so it is often a bit safer for younger children.
- Cross country or track. Cooler weather means more comfortable running. If your child is interested in running or looking to keep their endurance up for winter or spring sports, cross country or track can be a good fall sport. Running requires a lot of mental endurance and positive self-talk, so it is also a great sport for children who want to practice those important life skills.
- Yoga. Yes, yoga is a sport! And it is a great one for children of all ages. Children, especially teenagers, are under a lot of stress these days. They would likely benefit from unplugging and slowing down. Yoga is a great physical activity that also gives them time to clear their minds and be calm. Plus, yoga is a great low impact sport that children can practice for the rest of their lives. Learn more about the benefits of yoga in our guide.
Learn more about the best sports for kids, toddlers, and teens in our article. But remember, the best fall sport for your child is the one they show interest in. Your goal should be exposing them to different types of activities and encouraging them to try their best. Some children never take to sports, but the experience of exploring them can still teach important life lessons and help them grow. Happy fall, everyone!
