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How to prepare your child for fall soccer

YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids
7/14/15 09:04am
metro Nonprofit Dispatches

This dispatch was added by one of our Nonprofit Neighbors. It does not represent the editorial voice of The Rapidian or Community Media Center.

If your child is new to playing sports, the game of soccer is a perfect sport to introduce them to. The Y's soccer leagues promote individual and teamwork skills that can be applied to many other endeavors throughout their life.

Focusing on Healthy Living

Being healthy means more than simply being physically active. It’s about maintaining a balanced spirit, mind and body. The Y is a place where you can work toward that balance by challenging yourself to learn a new skill or hobby, fostering connections with friends through our lifelong learning programs, or bringing your loved ones closer together through our many family-centered activities. At the Y, it’s not about the activity you choose as much as it is about the benefits of living healthier on the inside as well as the outside.

As summer winds down, kids take to the field or court to begin practice for the fall season. Time again to gear up for another great season of cheering your child on from the sidelines. And if your child is like many children at the Y and across the country, they will be tying up their laces for a game of soccer.

At the Y, fall kicks off one of our largest leagues with soccer. Many begin their sports journey with us early on and join our leagues as young as four years old. If your child is new to playing sports, the game of soccer is a perfect sport to introduce them to. Its individual and teamwork skills can be applied to many other endeavors throughout their life.

If you are a parent of a young child, you may be wondering how to prepare your child for the season ahead. Below are a couple tips to help you kick start the season:

Have a soccer ball at the house – Balls come in three sizes: Size 3 is the smallest and is recommended for children under 8 years. Size 4 is recommended for children 8-12 years, and size 5 is for 12 and up.

Teach how to kick – When you have a moment to spare, join your child out in the yard and practice kicking it back and forth. Children learn from watching you. Don’t worry about the particulars of kicking with the toe vs. the laces … etc., the important part of this exercise is to help your child become familiar and comfortable with the basic skill before they show up to the field for the first time. Another great exercise is to pick landmarks in your yard to have your child to kick toward with lots of little kicks. As your child progresses add in other landmarks or cones for them to weave around.

And remember, start off slow, encourage your child and always try to keep things fun. At the Y, fun is top priority while teaching fundamental skills and through our league play. We have leagues for ages 4 and up. Leagues begin the week of September 8 with registration ending August 23.

For more information on Y leagues go to www.grymca.org/programs/. 

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