Here in “Sports City USA”, it’s never too early to start playing team sports. Does your preschooler have what it takes to join a team?
Well, if he or she likes to throw things, kick things, make friends, and, most importantly, run around in seemingly endless circles, then the answer is an absolute ‘yes’!
Benefits of Tot-Friendly Teams
While it may feel like a huge deal signing your two year old up for a formal team, relax, and remember that’s all in good fun. Frisco offers a wide variety of team sport team options specifically designed for very young children. With friendly, engaged coaches and modified, tot-friendly rules, these teams are all about learning skills, building confidence, and having a good time.
Team sports are the perfect environment for teaching little ones about cooperation, competition, and fair play. Kids will develop valuable gross motor skills, learn to follow instruction, and start to build sport-specific abilities.
Parents, don’t be discouraged about adding another commitment to your weekly calendar… The benefits to your child will make it more than worthwhile and you’ll have fun, too.
Toddler sports games are highly entertaining spectacles where you truly never know what will happen (but you can bet it will be hilarious and memorable).
Plus, the uniforms are adorable and a long afternoon nap is pretty much guaranteed!
Whether your child goes on to be a high school superstar or is just in it for the post-game snacks and cool jersey, all children benefit greatly from an early and positive introduction to team sports. Check out our list of great “starter sport” options and please add your favorites in the comments section below!
Soccer
With simple basic rules, lots of running, and indoor/outdoor options, soccer is an ideal sport for first-timers. Area teams begin as young as two years old and are available year round. Options include:
Blue Sky Sports offers the Tiny Kicks League (for two year olds, with parent helpers allowed on the field to provide guidance and encouragement) and Junior Kicks League (three and four year olds). All games are played indoors. Seasons are 8 games.
Fieldhouse offers youth indoor soccer starting at U4. All coaches are parent volunteers and games may be played on weekends or weeknights. Small sided fields are used with no goalie and participation medals are provided for all players.
Frisco Soccer Association offers team play beginning at 3 years old. Pre-K and younger players are allowed to make a friend request. As part of the registration process, you’ll also be asked which FISD elementary your child is zoned for, with best efforts to place players on teams close to home. All coaches are parent volunteers. Remember to check registration early – it typically opens several months before the start of the season.
I9 Sports offers closed soccer leagues starting at age 3. Kids will attend a 30-minute practice immediately followed by a 30 minute instructional game for the 7 week season. Games take place on weekends.
Performance Indoor Training offers classes and guided play options, through the Junior Academy by Soccer Shots, beginning at age 2. A variety of schedule choices are available, including weekday and weekend.
Soccer Shots offers three different programs for children aged 2-8. Programs are offered in childcare centers, preschools, and schools, as well as public locations. They offer more than 30 program locations in Frisco alone.
Soccer Sparks is offered through Frisco Parks and Recreation. They offer short-term classes to learn the basics and to have fun, rather than it being a team. There is a Parent and Child class for the 2-3 year olds, and additional options for ages 3-4, 5-6, and up.
Frisco YMCA offers pre-K soccer for three and four year olds. Friend and coach requests are accepted and uniform and medal are included with registration.
Baseball
Batter up! Frisco offers several great options for baseball rookies, including classic T-ball and “Blast ball”, a modified form of T-ball perfect for first-timers. Blast ball simplifies the game to only hitting and first base, maximizing the action for little players and speeding up the pace of play.
Frisco Baseball and Softball Association offers blast ball starting at 3U. Fall registration is currently open and fun on the field is guaranteed! Teams are coached by parent volunteers and league directions do their best to assign players based upon their school attendance zone. T-ball is also offered starting at 5U.
I9 Sports at Shawnee Sports Complex offers T-ball starting at age three. Kids will attend a 30 minute practice immediately followed by a 30 minute instructional game for the 6 week season. Parents and coaches are allowed to assist on the field as needed, with recommended assistance at pitcher and first base. Games take place on weekends.
Basketball
Basketball programs generally start for children entering kindergarten but Frisco has several options for 3 and 4 year olds to hoop it up! Basketball is offered year round and, as an indoor sport, is ideal for summer and winter months. For great programs for Kindergarten and older, check out Fieldhouse (winter and summer) and Upward Sports (winter only).
I9 Sports offers basketball programs beginning at age 4 at several locations throughout Frisco. 4 and 5 year olds play 3 on 3 (half court) games. Hoop height is 8 ft with 25.5 inch balls. Practice takes place just before the game.
Frisco Family YMCA offers winter basketball for children 3 and up. Players have modified rules and shoot at 6ft goals with 27 inch balls.
Flag Football
While the majority of Flag Football offerings (Frisco Football League, YMCA) begin at kindergarten or first grade, there is an instructional league for 4 year olds.
I9 Sports at Shawnee Sports Complex offers flag football starting at age 4. Kids will play 4v4 and will attend a 30 minute practice immediately followed by a 30 minute instructional game. The 7 week schedule includes an opening day Jamboree Day. Games will take place on weekends.
Have fun out there, Frisco families! Take lots of pictures (we know you will) and leave us a comment below with your favorite tot sport!
