YOUTH SPORTS: 3 Ways We Helped Our 2-Year-Old Try Their First Sports Class (And How You Can Too!)
Watching your child try something totally new — like their first sports class — can feel exciting but also can be overwhelming. At Inclyousion Sports, we believe every child deserves a joyful, supportive introduction to sports where they feel successful and seen. That’s especially true for our smallest athletes!
This Winter, we decided it was the right time to start our sports classes with our youngest child. Here’s how we helped our 2-year-old feel confident and eager to step onto the field for the first time — and how you can support your child in the same way.
1. Reviewed Expectations Together (From Our Sports Prep eBook)
Before the first class, we took a few quiet moments to talk through what to expect. We reviewed our sport-specific eBook together and talked about:
What will happen in class — running, tossing, catching, and lots of fun movement
Who will be there — friendly coaches and other kiddos ages 2–4
The goal — to play, explore, and have fun (not to be perfect)
Knowing what to expect helped our toddler feel more grounded and less overwhelmed by the “unknown.” It also let us keep expectations realistic and focused on joy rather than performance. (This aligns with best practices in helping young kids approach new activities with confidence.) To explore our eBooks, click here!
2. Created Playful Opportunities With Sports Gear Before Practice
We didn’t wait until class to touch a ball or try swinging a bat! In the days leading up to the first session, we:
Set up a small basketball hoop in our kitchen
Let them explore tossing a small basketball into the hoop at their own pace
Made every moment playful, low-pressure, and fun
These mini “practice moments” helped build familiarity and reduce fear of the unfamiliar. Toys and gear became something to enjoy, not something scary to be used only in the gym or on a field. Because toddlers learn so much through play, this kind of exposure builds both gross motor skills and comfort with new equipment.
3. Asked How They Were Feeling & Answered Their Questions
The most powerful part of our preparation was listening.
Before class we took time to ask:
“How are you feeling about today’s practice?”
“Do you have any questions about what we’ll do?”
“Is there anything you’re excited about?”
Even though our toddler is young, giving them a voice helped them feel heard and in control. We validated their feelings — whether they said they were excited or nervous — without minimizing them. And we answered their questions in simple, reassuring ways. (This kind of emotional support helps kids regulate new experiences and feel safe in unfamiliar situations.) For more tips on a successful first sports experience, click here!
Support Builds Confidence
Every child approaches new activities differently, some charge right in, others need a little extra time and encouragement. That’s okay! Our goal at Inclyousion Sports is to make every first experience feel like a step toward confidence, belonging, and joy in movement.
Whether it’s reviewing expectations, exploring gear together, or checking in on feelings, these three simple steps helped our 2-year-old walk into their first class excited and ready to play.
Ready to register for your child’s first sports class? Check out our upcoming program locations here!
