There are many benefits when children participate in sports. They can be a way for children to get regular exercise and an opportunity to socialize with others their age and make friends. Sports can build confidence and help children gain qualities and abilities they will find helpful in their personal and professional pursuits well into adulthood.
The YMCA of Central Kentucky has many sports for children to participate in, regardless of their skill set. The YMCA of KY can be a source of physical activity, fun, and personal development for the whole family. Learn about the different sports options available for your child and how to determine which will help your child excel and achieve fulfillment by participating in sports and other aspects of life.
Giving Your Child Options
If your child already has shown interest in a particular sport or is just exploring optional interests, sports for children of younger ages and skill sets are available at the YMCA of Central KY. Your child can participate in sports such as:
● Basketball
● Flag Football
● Martial Arts
● Soccer
● Volleyball
● Swim Team
We offer sports for youth of all skill levels, from beginner to advanced. Learning and practicing teamwork and sportsmanship from participating in sports serve your children well in the years to come.
Knowing Their Interests: Individual or Team Sports
A child's physical and personality traits can help determine what sports they may excel in and gain satisfaction from. You may want to consider choosing a sport for your child based on:
● Level of physical activity
● Social attributes
● Physical features
● The extent of interest
If your child is high-energy, fast-paced sports like basketball, football, or soccer will be more their speed, while children who spend their time doing low-impact activities may enjoy a sport like volleyball.
Physical attributes can also play a part in determining what sport they may excel in. For example, taller players may have a natural advantage in basketball and volleyball. Which sports is your child interested in watching or discussing statistics about? This noticeable sign can also determine which sport your child would be most comfortable participating in.
How Sports Programs Benefit Children
Sports participation can encourage regular physical activity, a good work ethic, and sportsman-like virtues. These virtues include fairness, integrity, responsibility, and respect. Cultivating these qualities will serve children well as they transition into adulthood.
Another benefit is that sports instill confidence in children each time they improve their skills and are recognized for that. Goal orientation is another benefit that a sports program provides. Once your child achieves a level of proficiency, they make goals and perform with a greater effort to reach the next level.
See What Sports Programs We Have Available!
If the whole family can benefit from fun and a sense of belonging in the community, register your child in a sports program at the YMCA of Central Kentucky. We have a variety of sports and recreation programs for youth of different ages who can register for league team play or skills classes. The next session of youth sports is open for registration: check out options for basketball, and volleyball in Frankfort, and indoor soccer and volleyball in Lexington.
Cheer on your child as they perform on the field or court, or watch in amazement as your child's proficiency, confidence, and personal empowerment increase exponentially.
