13 year old son …ideas for sports

[Ludlar]

Poor thing had an accident at hockey last term and it’s really put him off - he was never that serious but seemed to have fun and good exercise. Don’t blame him though. He has stuck with badminton and seems to enjoy and do well at that but wondered if you had any ideas for exercise/sport that is good for teens to start as beginners. He feels like he’s missed the boat with football and rugby and a bit down generally at the mo so keen to help him find a new fun thing to help his fitness too.

parkrun
rock climbing / bouldering
sailing
kayaking
orienteering
lacrosse
gym (he's possibly a bit at the moment but some do accept teenagers from 14)

I would look what’s available in the area and would be suitable days/time wise and then choose from the list.

One of mine is into judo and climbing. Other one does judo and rowing. Can definitely start any of these (or other martial arts) very successful as a teen.

Rowing starts at about Yr9.

Cricket! Normally starts around Easter.. maybe winter nets beforehand.

This might be dependent on area? Where we are, it starts in 6th year (age 11-12).

Rowing is great as a new starter at 13 as they don't compete before then so everyone is starting then.

Cricket
Rowing
Climbing
(Depending on swimming skills)....
Water polo
Triathlon

Dc1 started kickboxing as part of Duke of Edinburgh awards and stuck to it since. Really enjoys it. It's a mix of teens and young adults. It didn't matter about his abilities when he started. He's progressing well now and become very toned.

Table tennis, golf and darts are generally sports where children start a bit older

Mixed martial arts
Karate, judo, etc
Boxing
Climbing
Kayaking, windsurfing, surfing
Tennis, racquet sports

Does it have to be a sport? Cadets start at year 8 so well within the norm for starting. Even if he isn't interested in the forces he'll get to do adventurous outdoor activities, go on camp in the UK and even abroad (I went to Gibraltar), lots of sports competitions particularly in athletics and swimming. Learn to fly (in the Air cadets) or just go up with a pilot and do aerobatics, look to shoot at a range etc. I did the most amazing things as a cadet and it really informed the study and career choices (not RAF) that I made later.

Climbing wall

Thanks so much everyone - lots to think about and he actually tonight independently of all this asked if he can go back to a nearby climbing wall! He is also in scouts and gets some great activities through this. As a family we try and get out hiking etc - we’re in Scotland. Grateful for your ideas- it’s not that I’m desperate for him to have a sport or performing at a certain level….just recognise all the good stuff that comes with physical activities …especially those that get you meeting and working with others. Maybe all linked to how I gave up all my sports at 14/15 and came to regret it. 😬

What about basketball?

Fencing! Best thing my DS ever did. It's such a supportive sport and it gave him the opportunity to compete at the British Youth Championship several times.

Paddle tennis! Fastest growing sport in Europe apparantely.

Touch Rugby is a great sport. Similar rules to rugby but no tackling. It is fast and played in small teams.

My son took up rugby at 13 and it's been great. Yes, he had some catching up to do but he joined at a point where lots of kids who had done it since they tiny, had had enough and decided to give it up. If he's interested, it's definitely not too late.

Climbing walls are brilliant, he'll have a blast!

I see someone has already mentioned basketball. A lot of my friends' sons have taken up Basketball at a similar age and really enjoy it

DS took up golf when he was 14. It’s not the most athletic sport of course but there’s a lot of walking involved and skill and there’s a good social element. It was surprisingly cheap to join a golf club too; free for our local one and £100 for the whole year at the fancy one that he goes to with his friend. The clubs and clothes were somewhat pricey to get started but they don’t have to have really fancy ones (although he would like some!).

Padel tennis .., really growing quickly as a sport and his badminton skills suggests good hand/eye coordination

orientering competitions if in your area

cricket

Thanks everyone - really helpful and got us thinking :-) Might inspire others too.
I’m thinking I should set an example too and get into something new.

Ds does rowing both coastal and river and loves it. Sails, and climbs a bit indoors but recently took up water polo and loves it!