Hello!

My 8 year old son is not interested in sports, he doesn’t want to participate in team sports, he just isn’t interested in joining and club or a team – any tips on getting him motivated and out there?”

Posted by anon, 14/03/13

Want more real mum questions sent to you?

You'll need to check this email to complete your signup.
  • My kids just do sports at school and in the backyard on weekends only


  • Not all children like sports and I personally wouldn’t force him. If he is more interested in ‘arts’ or ‘technology’ I would look at maybe joining drama/repertory club, coding clubs at your local library or even a drawing/painting club. I would try and find a group/class that focuses on one of his interests.


  • My kids aren’t much into sports either.


  • My daughter was the same until she turned 11. She was always more interested in art and craft instead but then she suddenly developed an interest in sport and her goal for this year was to improve her sporting ability…..I was gobsmacked!! I don’t have a sporty bone in my body but encourage anything she puts her mind to.


  • My son was the same and it never changed…..we are all different and like different things so I wouldn’t worry. He will find something that he likes doing but it may never be team sports!


  • Try solo sports or find out what he IS interested in.
    Karate/martial arts, Scouts, Drawing/Arts classes, hip hop dance, gymnastics, singing, drums, guitar, swimming, gardening club, bmx riding, horse riding, skating, fishing, reading club.
    Perhaps ask his teacher if she has any idea’s or tips.


  • Find out why he doesn’t want to participate. If he just doesn’t enjoy team sports maybe you could try him with tennis or swimming, something that he can do by himself. If he just doesn’t want to do it I wouldn’t force him, I would begin by encouraging him to go outside in the afternoons and maybe the family could play soccer (or something) on the weekends. That might help him find something he enjoys, rather than forcing him to attend something he doesn’t enjoy :)


  • Ask him what he wants to do maybe something that is more individual


  • If he doesn’t want to do it don’t force him, find something else that he might be interested in


  • I hope you have found some helpful suggestions here.


  • He might be more interested in something like music or arty.


  • Not all kids are into sports try some other things like dance or music


  • Some kids are jus not the sporty type. He prob more into reading or music!


  • Are his friends in any clubs? Wot does his best friend participate in?


  • Each child is different Encourage him in what he likes


Post your reply
Add a photo
Your MoM account


Lost your password?

Enter your email and a password below to post your answer and join MoM:

↥ Back to top

Thanks For Your Star Rating!

Would you like to add a written rating or just a star rating?

Write A Rating Just A Star Rating
Join