Your kid is itching to play soccer, but there’s this one overwhelming concern: “Is he or she too small for this? ” You have been considering the heights of all the other kids, or even being the smallest on the team.
Maybe you’re just wondering whether they can keep up or hold their own on the field. That can be a heavy question if you’re concerned about your kid being left out or outrun.
The good news? There’s much to unpack here, and most of it is positive.
Let’s look as to why height or size, for that matter, doesn’t play that big of a role in youth soccer, and why your kid’s passion, skills, and love of the game are way bigger assets than any growth chart.
Youth Soccer Are Supposed to Be Fun and Inclusive
When talking about youth, particularly those dealing with young kids, let me make one thing very clear: it is supposed to be fun.
I know this might sound like a ridiculously obvious statement, but just bear with me a second here. In this world where college scholarships and professional league dreams seem to hang over every single team, sometimes that “fun” part seems to get a little lost in the mix.
It should be inclusive for every kid, regardless of shape, size, or background.
It is not about who is the tallest, or fastest, or strongest, it’s about going out there to make friends, develop skills, and fall in love with the game.
I promise if your kid has fun playing soccer, then he is in the right place, whatever his height.
Soccer is especially great at this because it’s a game designed to accommodate players of all sizes and styles. Don’t think for one second that because your child is smaller, they’re at a disadvantage.
You might be surprised at how some star players can pop on the field if they’re smaller.
Why Height Doesn’t Matter in Soccer
In some sports, height could be a certain game-changing factor basketball and volleyball come to mind, and soccer is not as dependent on it.
There are positions where the height could give a slight edge, such as in goalkeeper positions that are aided with extra reach. If we were talking center midfielder or striker, then height doesn’t matter as much. Being smaller can even give players certain advantages.
A lower center of gravity can help players maneuver nimbly, stay balanced, and more readily dodge around defenders.
Messi is one of the best to have ever played the game at only 5’7″.
They can dart through defenders, switch directions in a snap, and keep their balance under pressure ingredients that make them lethal on the field.
It goes to show that when it comes to soccer, size truly does not dictate success. Rather, it is skilled in agility, ball control, and passion that matter most.
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The “Heart” Factor
Another thing about soccer is the heart and passion involved in the game. Soccer is one of those sports in which you don’t have to be big to make a big impact-just have to care about the game.
The ones who tend to stand out possess an undeniable love for the sport, a drive to improve, and a desire to be out on the field practicing their skills.
That same passion helps them fight through the tough games, learn from every play, and overcome whatever obstacles come their way-whether that’s a towering defender or a tough loss.
And it’s often that passion that makes players special. So if your child loves soccer and wants to be out there giving it their all, they’re already in a great position, no matter their size.
Embrace the Growth Journey
Now, I get if your child is smaller than his or her teammates, he or she might feel a little self-conscious or frustrated, especially in the early years.
There can be a bit of a struggle, especially as they’re growing and figuring out how to keep up with peers who might be taller or stronger. But here’s a secret many coaches and seasoned parents know: it all evens out in time.
Kids grow at different times, and those teen years bring a mix of changes.
Girls begin to enter puberty at an early age of almost 8 years, and boys start one to one and a half years later. Physical development may take several years.
Some kids hit a growth spurt early and tower over their teammates; others grow later on. If your kid is among the small right now, remember: it’s just temporary.
You start to get a balancing out at about 14 or 15 in certain ways. Those kids who experienced early growth spurts now get to play with other kids who have finally filled out.
The coolest thing of all is that the kids who kept working on their skills kept learning the game, and kept committed to practicing are the ones that start to shine, no matter what size they are.
So, if your child feels a little discouraged now, remind them to just trust the process. Those skills and understanding of the game will pay dividends as they grow- literal and figurative.
Why Waiting Until They “Get Bigger” Isn’t the Answer
One of the largest mistakes parents make sometimes is holding their kid back from a sport just because they think that their child needs to be taller or stronger first.
While there are certain sports in which size can make a difference early on, soccer is not one of these. Waiting until they’re bigger will hold them back in more ways than it might help them.
Each season your child plays is one in which they are building skills, learning how to team up, and learn more about the game. Those are things that don’t come from growing; they come from experience.
Playing while they’re small shows them it’s not just brute strength that counts; it’s skill and strategy.
A smaller player, agile and quick on their feet, gives bigger players a run for their money by simply being smart with their moves.
Know this: bigger players have their struggles, too!
A tall player can reach the ball more easily, but then they don’t have the quickness of their smaller opponents. All have strengths and weaknesses, and the beautiful game of soccer allows all players an opportunity to play to their strengths.
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Getting Your Child to Appreciate Their Special Talents
If your child is feeling self-conscious about being small, try helping them put a positive spin on it.
Here are a few ways to reframe thinking and boost confidence:
Highlight the Advantages of Being Smaller: Let them know that size can be a plus! Smaller players usually are quicker and can change direction more easily, be nimbler around defenders.
Skills and Technique are Key: Teach your child to focus on those things that they can control, like their footwork, ball dribbling, and passing skills. These, with practice, can make them a formidable competitor regardless of size.
Encourage a growth mindset: Allow them to treat soccer as a journey where each player, in due time, gets better. Growing bigger or taller will not be as effective as learning the game and developing the important skills.
Remind Them of Soccer Heroes: The occasional story about players like Messi who despite his relatively small size in physique, rose to become a legend in the sport will be a good reminder that there are successful players who aren’t the tallest, and that is something to which they can aspire.
Focus on the Fun: Keep soccer fun. When they are having fun playing, all the pressure of being the “right size” disappears. They’ll be too busy having fun with their teammates to mind the height.
Alternative soccer paths
One more thing to consider: if your child does not feel quite comfortable on one team or in one setting, explore other options.
There are so many forms of soccer. There is club soccer, travel soccer, recreational leagues, and school teams; each having their own unique structure and culture. If one setting does not feel right, there are always other opportunities.
Plus, in case soccer is not quite their thing, that’s all right. There are other sports in which they may be really good: basketball, tennis, hockey, even golf.
And remember, trying several different sports can help kids develop a broad-based athletic background that serves them well, no matter what they end up doing.
SEE ALSO | 10 Best & Effective Soccer Drills For Kids [3-10 Olds] 2024
Conclusion: Soccer Is for All
So, back to the question: Is my kid too small to play soccer? No!
If they love the game, that’s the perfect size for it. Youth soccer is about exploring, learning, and enjoying the game. Skill, agility, and heart count a lot more than height.
As they grow and build upon those fundamentals, they will become stronger and more confident players over time.
So let them play. Let them run and kick, celebrate every goal and every tackle. Let them feel the magic of being on the pitch with friends and the thrill of improvement after every practice.
