If your child is ready for more structured activities, consider choosing a non-competitive sport.

Younger children have a shorter attention span, often finding it hard to follow the rules of some games. Some organisations offer a simplified version of their sport that is suitable for younger children. The focus is on everyone getting involved and learning new skills rather than on winning or losing. 

Here are some examples of programs aimed at younger children:

• Swimming lessons
• Gymnastics
• Dance classes e.g. Ready Set Dance
• Little Kickers
• Ready Steady Go Kids
• Little Rugby or Rugbytots
• Auskick

First Lap vouchers are available to help with the cost of swimming lessons. If you have children aged 3-6 years who are not enrolled in school, you can apply for $100 voucher. For more information and to apply for your voucher visit the Service NSW website. 

Unstructured Play 

Between the ages of 3 and 5, your child is still developing movement skills, so regular unstructured play is also important to help them learn basic skills such as running, jumping, catching and throwing. 

These skills form the basis for learning more complex skills that may be required in some sports when they get older. Allowing your child the time to develop these basic skills will help to give them confidence to participate in more structured sports as they get older. For more information on these skills see Fundamental Movement Skills. 

[Source: ACT Health; Raising Children Network]