There are a number of things that encourage the bond between a stepdad and son: outdoor activities such as camping and fishing, working on cars together, and of course, sports. The time-honored tradition of playing catch or tossing the pigskin is one that never seems to disappear throughout the years. Here are four tips to prepare your son for sports.
1. Sports for Young Boys
The best time to get your son started in sports is at a young age, typically during the toddler and pre-school years. The younger they start, the more time they have to develop the skill and dedication it takes to succeed in their later years. Parents begin to notice natural talents during these formative years.
There are several sports you can get children involved in, starting with the peewee leagues. As young as age 3, you can enroll them in a sport, such as soccer or flag football, for fun. While it’s more about playing than the competition at this age, it can instill a lifelong love of a sport.
As they grow older, they can join more advanced leagues and take advantage of coaching to improve aim, focus, and stamina. Advanced leagues also help flush out the kids with true talent and passion as opposed to those who are just having fun and enjoying the camaraderie that comes with a team environment.
2. Pre-Teen Years
During the pre-teen years is when you’ll start to see a passion develop. Maybe your son spends a good portion of his internet time watching professional videos to learn tricks, or after school, they’re outside in the backyard or on the court for hours practicing to improve. These are two good signs they will likely continue to play the sport or sports of their choice as they age.
Sports tend to take over a child’s life, so it’s important during these critical pre-teen years to discuss balance. Schoolwork should be a priority because that will be the case in high school and college, should they receive a scholarship to play.
3. Teenagers
During the teen years, in addition to outside leagues, children also have the opportunity to take part in team sports through their schools. It’s a good idea to encourage this because if they have dreams of going to play for a specific college or even entertain the idea of one-day going pro, they’ll need to be in the public eye.
Scouts from different colleges regularly visit high schools looking for potential scholarship candidates. Being front and center can open doors that wouldn’t otherwise exist.
Sports agents regularly scout high schools and colleges for athletes that showcase exemplary skills. This is also the time to start looking at sports recruiting websites to gain insight into the overall process.
4. College Years
During college is when most athletes get a look. Scouts are now coming from professional teams instead of colleges and universities. And now, the bar’s have risen. Agents are looking for the best of the best, the ones they know they can get signed with a pro team.
Just like hiking, camping, and working on cars, sports inevitably create an unbreakable bond between a stepfather and his son. From the formative preschool years and supporting your son as he plays the sport of his choice in college, the memories you’ll gain are simply priceless.
Many states require a sports physical before a child is allowed to participate in any athletic activity. If they do make it all the way to the pros, you’ll have that to reflect on as well. And, if they don’t, you at least instilled a sense of pride and accomplishment you can only hope they continue with their sons.
