Make The Sport Feel Playful
Kids become bored easily if things appear too serious too soon. Backyard games are generally much more effective at generating interest than organized drills. By tossing a soft football back and forth at the park or setting up mini-games in your own backyard, you allow the child to explore the game while minimizing any perceived expectations or pressures. Many children also find pleasure in pretending they are part of a major league game. Allow your child to celebrate “catches”, name a “team,” etc. Anything that allows them to have fun while participating in the game makes it seem less structured. Shorter sessions tend to be more successful. If your child spends 15 minutes of high-energy time having fun, chances are they will want more of that experience later. The bottom line is that it needs to be fun to capture their curiosity.
Focus On Equipment That Feels Comfortable
Children pay attention to how equipment fits as soon as you put it on them. So if they think the equipment is too big or too cumbersome, they may lose interest quickly. Kids moving freely, without heavy weights from pads and free-flowing clothing, tend to have fun playing much longer than kids wearing large pads and stiff clothes. Parents are now thinking more about getting their young player the right equipment to get their kid confident in what they are doing and excited to be involved. Options like Light Helmets are great for helping kids feel less intimidated during practice. The more comfortable the equipment, the more likely kids are to participate in team activities. Letting your kid choose glove colors or allowing your kid to personalize some part of the equipment gives your kid something to look forward to before they ever step foot on the field.
Help Them Connect With The Team Side
One of the main reasons that kids continue to be interested in football has nothing to do with the game. Most kids want to be able to say that they fit in somewhere. Being introduced to new friends at team practices, having a good time, and working toward a common goal are all reasons why kids stay involved in football. Some kids are born competitive; however, most kids just love the energy of being around other kids who play. Coaches create this positive atmosphere for kids by encouraging team building and reinforcing each other’s efforts. Watching a group of older youth teams play is another way to show kids players close to their own age catching passes, and/or scoring touchdowns.
Keep Progress Natural
Different kids grow and learn at different rates. Some may be able to throw a pass right away, but others will love to run routes or figure out how to defend. Don’t compare your kid’s growth and development with that of another teammate.
When kids see themselves getting better, it is easy for them to become motivated. Perhaps your kid catches the same number of passes each time you go out to practice. Or maybe your young athlete can now recall a play without needing to ask. These small improvements are what create the natural desire to continue to participate.
Building A Lasting Love For The Game
Getting a child interested in American football starts with creating an environment of enjoyment and acceptance. At this stage, fun is far more important than perfect form. As long as young athletes feel safe and supported and allowed to enjoy the sport on their terms, they will likely take initiative and start to develop their own interests. Football goes from simply another team sport to one where they have excitement going into each practice and game.
