By: Kelechi Obasi
Growing up in Canada allows many children to participate in a variety of organised recreation activities, which frequently include physical education and sporting activities. Cooperation, dedication, perseverance, resilience, and self-esteem are some of the building blocks that are reinforced in the process, while new connections and fun memories are made at these events for both children and their parents.
We’ve all heard of soccer and hockey moms, and while swimming, tennis, basketball, and volleyball are all very popular sports that most families encourage their children to participate in, there are so many competitive sports that our children can enjoy. Below is a list of very interesting and rigorous organized sporting activities that your children can try out. See if any of them pique their interest.
Futsal
You may have seen this in person or on television and assumed it was just another soccer game. The difference between soccer and Futsal is that the former is usually played outdoors on a much larger field, whereas the latter is played indoors, with fewer players and a smaller court. This smaller size allows for a faster-paced, more exciting game with more opportunities to score.
And, yes, there is a Canadian National Futsal Team, which FIFA ranks 53rd in the world. If your children have quick feet and the ability to draw circles around a mini-soccer court, you can put them to the test at any indoor dome.
Archery
If you search Archery Canada’s website, you’ll discover that, thanks to Christopher Perkins, Canada’s flag will be flying high in Birmingham, Alabama on June 15, 2022. He qualified for this year’s tournament after finishing eighth at the 2021 World Championships in Yankton. This is just one example of how archery, as exemplified in cult TV shows and films such as Arrow, Lord of the Rings, and The Hunger Games, has entered the mainstream on a global scale.
If your child (usually 10 years old or younger in some areas) believes he or she has what it takes to become the next Christopher Perkins, you can check most provincial websites or conduct a local search.
Table Tennis
Table tennis, also known as ping pong, is a very safe sport for your child to participate in, according to the Healthy Sports Index. In fact, newcomers to the sport suffer very few, if any, injuries. Most competitive players will experience a few strains and sprains during play. Beginners also don’t need much to get started, as they only need an inexpensive bat and safe footwear.
Children can begin testing their abilities and proficiency in table tennis as early as age five, and you can register your child with various provincial associations which work with various clubs and training centres.
Water Polo
Water Polo Canada currently has 130 clubs registered. This is in addition to the numerous youth programmes that provide training in the sport. All your child needs is a basic level of ability and comfort in the water, which most children can learn between the ages of six and nine.
Children can learn to swim and become stronger, more confident swimmers for the rest of their lives. Children can also learn and practise social skills like teamwork and communication.
Water polo earns another point for safety because it poses a much lower level of risk than other more robust team sports like soccer and hockey, as water acts as a cushion against falls, bumps, and other injuries.
