Why do Children take up and play football

Children become interested in sport and start to play football for a number of reasons, but the most predominant factor is because of the influence of adults. This is particularly true for younger children, between the ages of 5 and 10 years.  

 

Football is a fun activity for kids

• Children will take up football if their parents or other adult has encouraged them to do so.
• Junior school age children are also affected by peer pressure and may be interested in playing football if their friends play.
• Television plays a big role in out children's lives and they may want to emulate the stars they see in the Premier League.
• There may be a club close by and the child is motivated what they have to offer.
• They may be interested in the lure of receiving trophies and medals for winning football matches and competitions.

Adults encourage children to play football also for a number of different reasons. They may have played football themselves and want to pass on their experience to the child or they may also have a nee to fill a gap in their own footballing career and see the child as a way of making for their own failures. Parents also understand both the physical and emotional benefits children gain from playing a team sport.

The football association and other football entities often encourage children to participate in football, by promoting local events or course, often through schools. The domino effect soon takes place and when one child signs up to play many others follow.

Sibling pressure is also an important factor. If one child is already a footballer there is more likelihood their sibling will also take up the sport.

Young players however rarely take up football because of the health benefits of physical exercise. Their parents will understand the benefit gained by physical exercise, the child will not have a concept of the health factors associated with exercise, and because of this the benefit will not be an influencing factor in their decision making process.

One the child has joined a club and started to train and play football, they start to enjoy everything that football has to offer, including being part of a team, having fun playing, the competition of the matches and the friendships they will inevitably develop.