When Is the Right Time to Start Playing Football?

Football is a great sport that appeals to many people, both young and old. However, there is only a select few who are able to play it well. This is because of body type, ability, and the fact that it is a contact sport, which can cause potential injuries. The thing is, many kids do enjoy playing it. It is an exciting sport. If you, or a child you know, wants to join, you may be asking yourself when it is the right time to start playing football. The answer to that question is something that is debated by many parents and no one can offer a definitive answer.
There are some schools that allow children to play touch football or other variations from a very early age. Many encourage participation in football at around 6 years old to teach children the rules of the game and how to play it well. A lot of parents feel that this is too young for kids. Kids are more likely to say they want to play and then change their mind and be ready to play something else. They may not like the physical aspects of it, even if it is only touch football or football that is considered “safe” for their age group. However, it is proven that football requires strength and stability, and some parents encourage children to get involved because it can help them with other sports that their child may want to participate in.
There is also a group of parents and studies that show that an older child, closer to 12 years old, will benefit from starting to play at about that age. In fact, many professional football players started their career when they were between 10-12 years. By this time, a child has the ability to know what they want to do with their life and they are able to stay dedicated to the sport that they love.
If you are a parent or a child who loves the idea of playing football, you have to decide what is right for you or the child. If you feel that they are determined to play football and you want to encourage them to pursue their dream of playing, you really do not lose anything by getting them started at a young age, but you may not gain anything by pushing them to start early, either.