When you have an active kid who shows an interest in kicking around the soccer ball, you might start wondering: When’s a good time to enroll them in a youth soccer league? According to Beachside Soccer Club — a soccer program in Connecticut and that offers training at younger ages and competitive team play a for older ages— the answer depends on your child and their interest level.

If your child is younger than five, you may want to wait before enrolling them in a youth soccer program. Instead, help them develop skills and explore interest through one-on-one play. For example, you can help them build coordination abilities by kicking a ball around the backyard. When a younger child shows some understanding of the game, set up a goal post and give them the option to “score” without having to worry about the restraint of rules.

At five years of age, your child may be ready to start playing with others and take part in a soccer training program. However, it’s important to remember that entry at this age isn’t right for everyone, and that it’s best to participate in programs your child is comfortable with. Junior clinics are a great option if you’re looking for an introduction to the sport without full commitment to a team. Under instruction from experienced coaches, these programs give kids the opportunity to build core soccer skills and put them into practice with other children their age.

When your child is seven or older, they may be ready to join a team and participate in a local youth soccer league. At this point, getting involved earlier on can be a great way for a young player to gain exposure to the competitive environment and different positions, while still having the opportunity to develop core skills. Since younger players enter the sport at varying skill levels, soccer tryouts will allow your child to get placed with a team that comfortably fits their specific range of abilities.

Even at age 8 some programs require a significant commitment of time and are designed for especially enthusiastic youngsters, who have already found they love the game, to with play with others with a similar interest level. This can be a great option and the child's skills can develop quickly - provided the desire to participate is coming from the child and not just his or her parents. 

Tryouts? Not making a team can be a real disappointment. Most children can handle this with the right support from their parents - but parents should first make sure they can handle it, and then talk this through with the child beforehand. Fear of failure can kill enthusiasm (and also performance) for any athlete. The child should go to a tryout a prepared to work hard and enjoy it whatever happens - getting picked is a bonus!

If your child shows interest in developing their soccer skills or playing competitively, Beachside Soccer Club offers several different programs in the Norwalk, CT, community for ages above five years all the way through high school. More details regarding the club’s youth soccer teams and junior clinics in Fairfield County can be found on their website. If you have questions about upcoming soccer tryouts or enrollment criteria, call a club representative at (203) 852-6969.