How Old Do You Have to Be to Play Football?

For many football parents “How old do you have to be to play football”? is an important question.

The better question is, "How old should you be to play football"?

The fact is, there is no best age to start playing with a ball. Even a child who can balance on two feet can start kicking a ball of the right size at home.

However, organized football training as a part of a team might have to come later as your child develops.

Keep in mind that some of the best learning happens in the backyard. The Open Goaaal 3-in-1 Net and Rebounder is a great tool to help your young child learn and progress. Best of all, it comes in sizes small enough for even toddlers to enjoy.

What Is the Best Age to Start Football?

The early years of a child are a period of rapid brain growth through processes like myelination and dendritic arborization. These complex processes help children to learn and collect new information quickly and easily. So it is better to start playing football at an early age.

The age between 3-5 years is too young for playing competitive youth football. At this stage, they get a feel for kicking the ball around and learn to have fun.

When the kids are between 6-7 years of age, it is time for them to learn the fundamentals of football. They can also start doing basic football drills to improve speed and stamina.

It is best that players start playing competitive football when they are 8 years old. But even if your kids want to start playing football when they are 8-9 years old, there is no need to discourage them.

The level of interest that young players show between 5 to 12 years of age determines whether they want to continue as professional football players.

What to Consider When Preparing Your Child to Play Football

In the early stages, parents should allow the child to develop a liking for the game without focusing on competition and physical training. This involves allowing them to move and control a ball. Make sure to choose the right ball size.

Kids can start as early as the age of 3 at home by moving and kicking the ball. Once they are over 5 years of age, they will have more control over their bodies. This is the right time to introduce them to the actual game of football.

Note, children between 6 to 14 years of age tend to have more concussion-related injuries while playing tackle football. For this reason, the United States Football Federation has banned headers for players below 10 years of age.

So, parents and football coaches should ensure that school football teams have a necessary concussion safety policy in place.

Benefits and Disadvantages of Beginning Football at Various Ages

In reality, one can start playing football at any age. However, the kid’s age determines the level of practice and training they should be exposed to.

Ages 2 to 5

Practicing with a ball at home from a young age can help in developing the motor skills of a child, including coordination and balance. Preparing for kids’ football also helps them to learn the basic concepts of teamwork.

However, it is still too early to determine if your kid has a genuine interest in the game of football. They may lose interest after they cross the age of five.

Ages 6 to 9

At this age, the kids have more physical ability and can learn basic football skills like passing and dribbling.

Football can be a great way to keep them active and burn off any excess energy. Dedicated football practice at this age can also make them more inclined toward becoming professional players.

On the other hand, the hard work at a football academy might cause them to lose motivation. Besides, children in this age group are more vulnerable to injuries. So,

Age 10 Plus

This is the age when the players enter the advanced stages of the game and start developing skills and techniques. It is also when parents typically begin to choose a local football club that is a good fit for their kid. Since the game gets more competitive at the high school stage, they need focused training.

Serious involvement with football also helps the kids to learn about teamwork and self-discipline. If your kid has the right level of skills, they can also apply for a college football scholarship.

At the same time, the performance pressure on the football field can become a burden for young players. This can leave less time for studies and other responsibilities.

For the parents, arranging for football academy admissions and buying football gear like cleats, shin guards and gloves for goalkeepers can get expensive.