From what age can your child do sport?

The youngest groups in Leeuwarden

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.

13 classes in Leeuwarden for this age, for example:

• 
  Mon 10:1530 min Peutersurvivalzwemmen Zwembad De Blauwe Golf in Bilgaard 2–4 years
• 
  Mon 11:4530 min Peuterzwemmen Zwembad De Blauwe Golf in Bilgaard 2–4 years
• 
  Wed 09:3030 min Peuterzwemmen It Gryn in Stiens 2–4 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.

18 classes in Leeuwarden for this age, for example:

• 
  Mon 10:1530 min Peutersurvivalzwemmen Zwembad De Blauwe Golf in Bilgaard 2–4 years
• 
  Wed 14:3045 min Judo Sportcentrum de Leeuw in Oranjewijk 5–8 years
• 
  Fri 15:4545 min Funkey (from Mixed Hockey Club Leeuwarden in Schilkampen Trial lesson possibleBeginners4+

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.

18 classes in Leeuwarden for this age, for example:

• 
  Mon 17:3060 min Youth Karate Sportcentrum de Leeuw in Oranjewijk 6–12 years
• Mon 18:3060 min Kids boxing Sportschool van Houten in Oud Oost 6+
• 
  Tue 17:1545 min Judo Sportcentrum de Leeuw in Oranjewijk 7–10 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.

24 classes in Leeuwarden for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Junior Fitness Sportcentrum Ursus in Vogelwijk 12+
• 
  Mon 17:3060 min Youth Karate Sportcentrum de Leeuw in Oranjewijk 6–12 years
• Mon 18:3060 min Kids boxing Sportschool van Houten in Oud Oost 6+

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.

16 classes in Leeuwarden for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Junior Fitness Sportcentrum Ursus in Vogelwijk 12+
• Mon 18:3060 min Kids boxing Sportschool van Houten in Oud Oost 6+
• 
  Mon 18:3060 min Youth Karate Sportcentrum de Leeuw in Oranjewijk Experienced12–16 years

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 Leeuwarden, 13 swimming lessons are on the timetables.

• 
  Mon 10:1530 min Peutersurvivalzwemmen Zwembad De Blauwe Golf in Bilgaard 2–4 years
• 
  Mon 11:4530 min Peuterzwemmen Zwembad De Blauwe Golf in Bilgaard 2–4 years
• 
  Wed 09:3030 min Peuterzwemmen It Gryn in Stiens 2–4 years

When sport is too expensive

In many municipalities, the Jeugdfonds Sport & Cultuur pays the membership fees for children from families with little money. You don't apply for it yourself; it goes through, for example, school or the neighbourhood team. The amount varies by municipality.