From what age can your child do sport?

The youngest groups in Groningen

This is what is currently on the timetables. The age comes from the name of the group, so if you're unsure, check with the club. Not every club has a youth timetable online, so there may be more than what is listed here.

2 and 3 years: playing with movement

At this age it isn't about a sport. Running, climbing, falling and getting back up is enough. There are classes you attend together with your child, such as toddler gym, parent-and-child swimming or tumbling on the judo mat.

Check whether the class is short, about three quarters of an hour, and whether you're allowed to stay. If your child would rather watch from your lap, that's fine too.

4 classes in Groningen for this age, for example:

• Mon 16:1530 min Taekwondo Taekwondo Club Noord in Tuinwijk 3–5 years
• Thu 15:3030 min Kodomo judo Jiritsu in De Dilgt 2–5 years

4 and 5 years: the first club

Now something can really get going. Most swimming schools start around 4,5 to 5 years. Toddler judo is often for 4- and 5-year-olds. Hockey clubs have Funkey, games with a ball and stick for children aged around 4 or 5. In tennis you play Tenniskids Blue with a soft ball on a small court. Football starts with Under 6 or Under 7, and at Under 7 you play 4 against 4.

At this age, trying more than one sport is more fun than doing one sport well. Choose something close to home and where friends go.

13 classes in Groningen for this age, for example:

• Mon 16:1530 min Taekwondo Taekwondo Club Noord in Tuinwijk 3–5 years
• Tue 16:0060 min Kodomo judo Jiritsu in Hoogkerk-zuid 5–8 years
• Wed 14:3040 min Toddler ballet Balletschool Wanda Kuiper in Binnenstad Trial lesson possibleBeginners4 years

6 to 8 years: trying things out is allowed

Children now start taking part in matches and want to belong to a group. This is also the age when they start saying for themselves what they enjoy. Listen to that, even if it's something you never thought of.

At many clubs your child can train a few times before you become a member. One time says little, three times says enough.

44 classes in Groningen for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Youth training age Gropo in Oosterparkwijk 6–10 years
• Mon 16:0045 min Kickboxing Mini's Happy Body Movement in Haren 6–8 years
• Mon 16:4560 min Taekwondo Taekwondo Club Noord in Tuinwijk 5–7 years

9 to 12 years: really growing into it

Children now learn quickly, and they pick up technique easily. Sports that demand a bit more also come within reach, such as climbing, padel, rowing or a martial art.

Is your child only starting at this age? That's not too late. Many clubs have groups for children who join later.

57 classes in Groningen for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Youth training age Gropo in Oosterparkwijk 6–10 years
• Mon 16:0060 min Age 7 to 10 youth Vechtsporten Groningen in Driebond Free trial lesson7–10 years
• Mon 17:4560 min Nunchaku Jiritsu in Hoogkerk-zuid Trial lesson possibleBeginners8–11 years

Aged 13 and over: keep doing sport

Many young people stop doing sport during puberty. School gets busier, friends do something else, and matches suddenly become all about winning. Don't talk about it for too long, but look together for something that suits: another club, a lower level, or something without matches, such as bouldering, dance or fitness.

Many gyms admit young people from a certain age, often around 14 or 16 years old. Check before you take out a subscription.

45 classes in Groningen for this age, for example:

• Mon 17:0090 min Youth training age Gropo in Oosterparkwijk 10–13 years
• Mon 17:0060 min Age 10 to 14 youth Vechtsporten Groningen in Driebond Free trial lesson10–14 years
• Mon 17:3060 min Classical ballet Balletschool Wanda Kuiper in Binnenstad Advanced15+

Swimming lessons: the Zwem-ABC

Swimming lessons are almost everywhere the first sport. In the Netherlands you take three diplomas for this: A, B and C. With each diploma you learn more swimming strokes, for longer and fully clothed. For diploma A, around forty to sixty lessons are usually needed, depending on the swimming school and how often you go. B and C go faster.

Put your child on the list in good time, as many swimming pools have a waiting list. Registration is often possible from 4 years old. In Groningen, 2 swimming lessons are on the timetables.

• Wed 17:3030 min Beginners swimming lessons Kardinge DZN, Dames Zwemclub Noorderbad in Beijum Women onlyBeginners4+
• Wed 18:3030 min Beginners swimming lessons Parrel DZN, Dames Zwemclub Noorderbad in Tuinwijk Women onlyBeginners4+

When sport is too expensive

The Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur pays membership fees in the municipality of Groningen for children up to 18 years old: up to €300 per year, of which up to €100 for clothing or equipment. You apply through school, the neighbourhood team or debt assistance. Read more at help with costs.