When it comes to dads, there doesn’t seem to be a lot of time in a day to really do something for yourself, right? You have work, you have to take care of the kids, you have time in the evenings to focus on your kid’s sports dreams, you have to help them with their homework, then there’s dinner, theres cleaning up, and by the time you wind down, it’s already time for bed. In general, this is the norm, and this is to be expected; besides, as you get older. 

It can become a bit tougher to socialise with your friends unless you plan it out weeks in advance. Sure, sometimes you might be able to squeeze in time for the gym a few days a week, and you might be able to squeeze in time to check out a new show or video game, but that might be that at most. But with that said, if you have time, why not consider joining a club, maybe even a sports club? 

The gym isn’t exactly the best space for socialising (most folks want to get in and get out). So a sports club could actually bring out the best of both worlds! So, here’s exactly what you need to know!

Get Moving, Stay Healthy

First things first: staying active is key to your health. Picking up a sport isn’t just about losing a few pounds; it’s about keeping your heart in shape, flexing those muscles, and even improving your flexibility. Regular games or practice sessions mean you’re more likely to stick to a fitness routine and let’s face it, it’s way more fun than hitting the treadmill alone in the gym. 

Plus, there’s that social aspect, too, and a lot of these clubs aren’t about winning. Sure, some are competitive, like small football teams, but if you don’t want to deal with the potential drama of that, it’s totally fine. Think about paddle boarding, surfing, and rowing; they’re pretty relaxing, and it’s just for fun. There's nothing really competitive (unless a club brings that angle to it). 

Stress Buster

Your life is most likely stressful; you’re a parent, and you’re taking on other roles daily. You can’t bottle up this stress, and this stress has to be released in a healthy way. For the most part, physically decompressing the stress is the best way to go about it.

Just think about it for a moment: you have to put physical and mental energy towards raising kids, climbing career ladders, and managing the ins and outs of daily life—stress comes with the territory. Playing sports can be an incredible stress reliever. It’s not just about physical activity; scoring a goal, making that perfect shot, or even just running around can help clear your mind and lower your stress levels.

Your Social Life Will Be Sorted

This goes back to what was being said earlier: your social life. It’s just harder to find and make time with friends, especially since everyone has their own lives and families that need to be taken care of (which is 100% understandable). So that’s exactly why joining a sports club throws you into a community of people who are there for the same reason. 

It’s a chance to meet new friends or even just to enjoy some camaraderie. These are folks who will cheer you on and offer a high five, whether you win or lose. It’s about being part of a team and enjoying some adult conversation that doesn’t revolve around cartoons or homework!

It Can Help Boost Your Confidence 

There’s something about learning a new skill or improving at a sport that boosts your confidence, right? Generally speaking, exercising alone can massively boost confidence, you’re getting high energy levels, the stress just depletes, oh, and your body is getting more toned too. With sports clubs, you’re still working out, and you’re being social (and being social can actually boost confidence). 

So, it’s not just about getting better at the sport; it’s about challenging yourself and stepping outside your comfort zone. And that boost? It spills over into other areas of your life, from the boardroom to bedtime stories.

Potential to Help Master Your Time

Well, not everyone’s schedules are the same, but it’s still nice to look into. If you think adding one more thing to your schedule sounds crazy, consider this: committing to a sports schedule can actually help you get better at managing your time. It forces you to plan and prioritise your day and, yes, carve out some 'me time' that is so crucial yet often overlooked. 

Plus, again, you’re combining multiple things into one: you’re exercising, you’re having me-time, and you’re socialising. So, if you think about it, you’re getting a whole package you wouldn’t get otherwise!