From what age can your child do sport?

The youngest groups in Utrecht

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.

32 classes in Utrecht for this age, for example:

• Mon 14:4545 min Ballet Dansstudio Amber in Lombok 3–5 years
• Mon 16:0045 min TKD Cool Kids Taekwon-Do IN NAE DO KWAN in Veldhuizen 3–5 years
• Sat 09:0060 min Voetjebal Utrecht Oudwijk group Voetjebal Utrecht in Leeuwesteyn €12 per session2–4 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.

52 classes in Utrecht for this age, for example:

• Mon 14:4545 min Ballet Dansstudio Amber in Lombok 3–5 years
• Mon 16:0045 min TKD Cool Kids Taekwon-Do IN NAE DO KWAN in Veldhuizen 3–5 years
• Wed 17:3045 min Ninjas karate Karate Team Utrecht in Parkwijk-noord 5–7 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.

103 classes in Utrecht for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Dance mix Dansstudio Amber in Lombok 6–8 years
• Mon 16:3045 min Kids 6–9 years Elevation Jiu Jitsu Academy in Zuilen Free trial lessonBeginners6–9 years
• Mon 17:0060 min Capoeira 8+ years Casca Dura Academy in Veldhuizen Free trial lesson8+

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.

126 classes in Utrecht for this age, for example:

• Mon 15:3060 min Urban dance My Motion in Hoograven Free trial lesson9–11 years
• Mon 16:0090 min Kids 2C Klimmuur Utrecht in Elinkwijk 9–12 years
• Mon 16:3060 min Youth 10-14 Tigers Gym in Welgelegen Free trial week10–14 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.

85 classes in Utrecht for this age, for example:

• Mon 16:3060 min Urban dance My Motion in Hoograven Free trial lesson11–13 years
• Mon 16:3060 min Youth 10-14 Tigers Gym in Welgelegen Free trial week10–14 years
• Mon 16:4545 min Youth 8-13 years beginners Taekwon-Do IN NAE DO KWAN in Veldhuizen Trial lesson €10Beginners8–13 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.

Get your child on the list in time, as many swimming pools have a waiting list. Registration is often possible from 4 years old.

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.