Parents are often keen for their little ones to get started in the family’s favourite sport as soon as possible, but pre-schoolers are not often ready for organised team sports until the age of 5. This is because they’re still learning fundamental motor skills, and getting those motions down pat is critical for excelling in their chosen sport later. Pre-school sports should be more like play than a lesson or drill, with coaches emphasising fun, socialisation and key motor skills. Developing an understanding of working as a team, sharing, and following instructions are also critical elements.
On the Gold Coast, we are lucky to have a number of options for children aged 1-5 starting their sporting journey. The list below covers both indoor and outdoor options, casual attendance and term programs. With locations right across the Coast, you’re bound to find something that fits with your schedule! While I’ve tried to include the most up to date information as possible, please check with each individual operator as details can regularly change and this list is not updated. Information below is accurate as of May 2024.
PlaySports
Playsports offers a fun, multi-sports program of activities, designed to give children a taste of all sports with an aim to establish a lifetime love of sport. Kids will spend a few weeks each on sports including Soccer, Athletics, Rugby, Cricket, AFL, Softball, Tennis and Basketball. Classes run for 30 minutes for 2 & 3 year olds and 45 minutes for 4 & 5 year olds. PlaySports runs in conjunction with the City of Gold Coast Active & Healthy Program. Classes are $18 per class and operate from Tugun Park, Coolangatta Monday – Thursday at 8am, and Silver Bridle Park, Molendinar Thursday and Friday at 8am.
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Ready Steady Go Kids
Ready Steady Go Kids is a multi-sport program for children aged 1.5-6 years. The program teaches children the fundamentals of 10 different sports and develops essential motor skills in a fun, non-competitive environment. Classes are run indoors and cover 5 sports per term. The toddler ‘Get Ready’ 1.5-2.5yo classes are a 30 minute class, while their “Ready’ 2.5-3yo, ‘Steady’ 3-4yo and ‘Go’ 4-6yo classes run for 45 minutes. Classes are held at Palm Beach, Mudgeeraba, Carrara, Upper Coomera, Coomera and Pimpama, and range from $15-$20 depending on age and location.
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PCYC Little ‘n’ Active
Available at PCYC locations at Broadbeach, Ashmore, Nerang and Beenleigh.
Little n Active helps children with an introduction of learning outcomes and physical skills to help build a foundation for all sports, and for living active and healthy lives. Held in a safe and welcoming space where active parental participation is key, Little n Active classes are designed to promote children’s curiosity, encourage problem-solving, increase comprehension, and develop social skills. The Little n Active Classes follow the following class structure: Welcome & Open Exploration, Group Time, Guided Adventures, Farewell.
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Little Sporting Company
A fun, FREE multi sport program for preschool children that allows them to practice fundamental gross motor skills such as kicking, catching and throwing. Children are introduced to the basics of different sports (including AFL, soccer, rugby league, cricket and mini Olympics) and encourages kids to have a go, make mistakes, improve their skills and develop self confidence. Classes are held at Pizzey Park, Miami; Coomera Indoor Sports Centre; Carrara Community Centre; James Overall Park, Southport; Varsity Lakes Community Centre; Paradise Point Parklands; Swift Park, Nerang; and Ormeau Community Centre. Sessions run for 45 minutes.
