Parenting
Team Sports for Kids
Team sports build valuable skills and attitudes that will last your child a lifetime. Being part of a team teaches children cooperation and communication, develops listening skills, and instils the value of patience whilst waiting their turn on the subs bench! Encourage your child to try several team sports in the early years to find out what they like and what they are good at. Here are eight popular team ball sports that children can try from a young age, and enjoy right through to high school.
BASKETBALL The fast-paced energetic game of basketball is surging in popularity, and with the Brisbane Bullets in the National Basketball League, kids in Brisbane can find plenty of home-grown local heroes to inspire them. Basketball is great for improving balance, coordination, and agility through dribbling the ball while dodging the defence. It also requires a lot of focus to track the position of other players on the court, plan passes, and make those free-throws! There are basketball clubs and associations across greater Brisbane. Starting age varies, with some offering fun classes for children as young as 3. Children in Upper Primary through to adulthood have the opportunity to participate in representative basketball tournaments, so be prepared to travel! Find an association near you here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/junior-basketball-for-kids-inbrisbane
SOCCER It’s been called The World Game and The Beautiful Game, but whether you know it as soccer or football there’s no denying it’s one of the most popular sports for kids in Brisbane. Soccer is great for developing cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and balance. With each player having their own role within the team, children really learn the value of cooperation and “winning as a team”, not as individuals. Children as young as two can experience their first kick-around in clubs across greater Brisbane, and there is lots of scope for skill development at special academies. Find a club near you here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/soccer-clubs-kids-brisbane
NETBALL Netball as long been a favourite amongst girls in Brisbane, and boys are increasingly getting in on the netball fun too! It’s a challenging game of skill with fast-paced action and passionate players. The Brisbane netball season runs from late March to August/ September with most games taking place on Saturdays and clubs training at least once a week. Some netball clubs also offer summer seasons so you can play all year round! Children can start playing from as young as five in the NetSetGo program. Find a club near you here: www.familiesmagazine.com.au/junior-netball-clubs-kids-brisbane
6
Your Local Families Magazine February / March 2022 www.familiesmagazine.com.au