How Can Children Start Playing Hockey?
Getting children involved with sport is hugely beneficial because it offers a multitude of benefits with skills that can be integrated across all areas of their lives. Hockey is one of those choices that gives children the opportunity to express themselves, learn about teamwork, keep physically fit, as well as use skill and logic in the game. While the origin of field hockey cannot be accurately dated, frescoes indicating the practice of a similar game dating back to 2000 BC were found in the Nile Valley. It was not until 1908 that field hockey was entered in the Olympic Games. It is a sport with a rich history.
The benefits
Field hockey is an intensive sport with many benefits. Here are a few:
- Field hockey releases tension and reduces stress
- Field hockey strengthens the cardiovascular system and works endurance
- Field hockey strengthens body muscles and bones
- Field hockey develops agility, anticipation and flexibility
- Field hockey forges team spirit and fair play and surpassing oneself
- Field hockey helps develop both agility and coordination
How can kids get involved?
A lot of school clubs have hockey integrated into their timetable. Whether that’s after school clubs or lunch clubs; but if this isn’t an option, you can look at other options. You can begin playing hockey from as young as 5. There are plenty of clubs available to children from elementary age. While there are leagues only for girls or boys, mixed teams are a great way to combat gender stereotypes in sports from an early age. Whilst some clubs may be ‘paid for’ clubs, it is a worthwhile investment if your child has an invested interest.
They can learn all the fundamental skills and compete in leagues and competitions if they wish to. Often the clubs are on weekends or after school and can be slotted into their schedules relatively easily! Thanks to this activity, outside of school and at home, children get involved in their community, make friends, develop their self-confidence and create friendships that will last them a lifetime.
Getting prepared
All kids are going to need the best hockey equipment, such as hockey sticks and shields. Hockey clubs are often very welcoming and you may be able to rent equipment or for free, but as they progress, it will be best for them to be completely equipped with what they need. You can search local hockey classes, which will give you a full rundown of what your child will be getting involved with, as well as classes for beginners and intermediates. You should always gain as much information as possible so that you are signing your child up to a class that is best suited to them. You may find short courses and one-day programs through summer, which will allow your child to gain all the fundamental skills they need in order to progress with the sport further down the line. It’s a great way to get them involved with other kids and give them an essential set of skills.
This is a collaborative post.
