Football sessions - best age to start?

I started mine just after his 2nd birthday. Our local children’s centre started running this mini football club sessions aimed at toddlers 18m-4 years old. A bit like you I felt unsure as my LO who was 26 months when he started also preferred to just throw the ball. We’ve been doing it for about 6 weeks and honestly it’s been so good for him. He’s really picked up quickly how to kick and they do other activities that rely on them listening which has been great for my toddler. He also gets to blow of steam by running around as our only other group was a baby sensory one which relies heavily on him sitting through which he started to grow out of. The coach who runs it says it’s really nice when they start this young as they really pick it up quickly in her experience. I’d recommend giving it a try 🙂

Maybe put him in a toddlers rugby session instead if he prefers to throw? (Depending on if there is one close to you) 😄

We’ve just started our son at weekly sessions , he loves it (turned 2 in November) but it’s just for fun at this age

@Megan yeh I could - but he’s already good t throwing. So that’s why I thought football would be good. I’ll give it longer and decide

@Anisa that’s helpful to know, thanks. Maybe I just persist for now and see how it goes. Thanks

@Jade absolutely just for fun :) Just that the session we went to was really busy and quite chaotic - and some of the older children would run over and grab things off my child. And parents were doing nothing. So I just sort of wondered if it’s a bit chaotic at this age. I’m thinking I might try a different group and see if it’s better.

Oh I’m sorry! That’s a real shame… Maybe try another group? The group my son goes to is for children 1.5-2.5 and it’s lovely

I think that’s the answer, before giving up. It’s just hard when children do that - and my little boy is looking at me like “what just happened?”. And I can’t go running after all these 3 year olds taking things back 😅 So just mulling over options. Bearing rugby tots in mind definitely. But I just think good to get football underway as it’s what they’ll all play in playgrounds. Here’s hoping it improves.

That narrower age range is a great idea. Having 1-4 is just too wide I think, for the young ones. A lot of parents at this group just put the youngest ones in and let them get on with it alone. I need to find another group!

Just found another group 18m-3years - so fingers crossed that works out better. Thanks for all your thoughts