So many times I hear from the parents of players of all ages “I just want him/her to have fun.”
What is often forgotten is that what is fun for one child may not be for another.

What is FUN?

Think for a moment about that super competitive adult friend (we all have one) who finds nothing more exciting and fun than pushing herself as hard as she can. Striving not only to be her best, but to be better than everyone else. She may train at a frequency and intensity to reach that goal that others do not understand, but she loves it. She thrives in an environment where she continually pushes herself and is pushed and challenged by teammates. An environment where performance and ability drive opportunity and playing time.

Now consider the friend who loves to play and the camaraderie that comes from being on a team. She rarely trains on her own but usually makes regularly scheduled pick-up sessions or games. On this team everyone plays and team activities are often followed by social events, coffee or an EPL viewing at the local bar.
Which one is more fun?

If they were to switch teams would they still have fun?

Or would they give up the sport because “it was no longer fun?”

Children are the same.

FUN is NOT the same for everyone

Each child is an individual, with already clearly defined ideas around what they find fun, and what must be endured (tidying their rooms, for example!). For lots of kids, it’s the commitment to reach for a goal that they find fun.
Finding a FUN fit

When we look to place a child on a Grasshopper Soccer team where he or she will thrive – and have fun – we must first and foremost take into account what that individual child considers fun.

This may be – but is not necessarily – the highest level team available or where their parents would have had fun as children. However, for other children, playing with their friends on the local oval can be the more fun and rewarding experience.

Children should be placed in the classes that can provide opportunities to experience what they consider and find fun.
When this “fun fit” is found, fun follows, and players stick with the sport. This is when growth as soccer players – and people – is at its highest.