6 Things to Consider when Planning Sport Programs for 3-4 Year Olds
We’ve talked in previous articles about ‘age creep’ in organised sport programs, a trend where parents are seeking to enrol their child in structured settings at younger ages compared with previous generations.
And whilst the traditionalist in me would rather see these children enjoying large amounts of unstructured play instead of having team sport ‘lessons’ at age 3, the growing demand is both a reality and opportunity that community sport organisations would be wise to familiarise themselves with. To put it another way… “if you can’t beat them, join them!”
In this blog , we present six key areas that sport organisations need to focus on when planning a sport program for 3-4 year olds (“kinder” age). By taking these factors into account, you can create an engaging and effective program that sets the foundation for a lifelong love of sports.
#1 Program Length
When it comes to young children, less is more. Aim for sessions that last between 30-45 minutes to maintain their attention and enthusiasm. Keeping the activities short and varied (e.g. 5 x 7-minute games) will prevent boredom and leave the children eager for more. Remember, at this age, play and exploration are essential components of learning.
Similarly, the overall length of the program should not be season-long. We recommend maximum program lengths of 8 weeks for this age cohort.
#2 Parent involvement
Encouraging parents to actively participate in the first 10-15 minutes of each session can have numerous benefits. It helps establish a sense of security for the children, fosters bonding between parent and child, and creates a supportive environment. Additionally, it allows parents to understand the activities being conducted, making it easier for them to reinforce skills and concepts at home.
#3 Modified equipment
Use softer and smaller materials such as foam or PVC rubber to promote safety and make the proposition of catching less scary. Using smaller goals or targets enhances the child's chance of success, boosts their confidence, and makes the activities more enjoyable.
#4 Scheduling
Consider scheduling the kinder sport program alongside programs for 5-6 year-olds. Starting shortly after and finishing slightly before the older children's session provides a smooth transition and showcases a clear pathway from one program to the next. This arrangement helps families manage transport logistics while promoting a sense of progression and continuity.
#5 Coach to player ratio
Aim for a coach to player ratio of around 1:5 to ensure that each child receives sufficient support and supervision. To achieve this, consider incorporating young people (aged 14-18) as assistant coaches. They can provide valuable assistance managing the group, act as role models, and bridge the age gap between the coach and participants.
#6 How to promote your program
Keep the messaging light, fun, and non-competitive. Emphasise the concept of physical literacy, which focuses on developing fundamental movement skills, coordination, and confidence in a variety of activities. The social benefits of making new friends through an introductory sports program should also shine through in your communications.
Many organisations adopt names for their programs that use the club’s mascot such as “Little Hawks” or “Baby Bulls” - this creates a sense of identity and pathway to your participants and their parents.
Final Thoughts
Designing a kinder sport program requires careful consideration of various factors to ensure an engaging and developmentally appropriate experience for 3 and 4-year-olds. By involving parents, using modified equipment, keeping sessions short, scheduling strategically, maintaining an appropriate coach to player ratio, and promoting physical literacy, sport organisations can lay a solid foundation for young children's lifelong involvement in sports.
If you need assistance in developing your program, don't hesitate to contact us. Together, let's create a positive and impactful sports experience for our youngest athletes.
