Swimming training and certificates are all part of growing up for most Dutch children. It is less common for them to obtain exercise certificates, but it is very important for young children to develop coordination and social skills.
The Royal Netherlands Gymnastics Union (KNGU) has joined hands with Miffy to develop a fun exercise programme for young children. The Miffy Moves Programme features all sorts of exercises and games that teach toddlers and pre-schoolers basic movements, but also that exercise is fun!
The Miffy Moves Programme consists of two series of 20 lessons for children aged 2 to 5. The programme was developed with great care by the KNGU and is always supervised by specially trained professionals. After completing the lessons, children receive their Miffy Moves Certificate. The lessons are given at gymnastics clubs throughout the Netherlands. Click here to find the location nearest to you. Because regular and varied movement is not only fun for children, but also very important, more than 40 movement tips have been developed to keep kids moving at home. You’ll find a selection of these tips here. Similar tips are regularly shared via Miffy’s social media channels.
The year 2021 will see the launch of a pilot programme involving 10 clubs affiliated to major Dutch sports associations. In addition to the KNGU, the Royal Netherlands Football Association (KNVB), the Royal Netherlands Hockey Association (KNHB) and the Netherland Volleyball Union (Nevobo) have joined the programme. Together, the associations want to stimulate exercise among young children (under 5 years of age) by offering the Miffy Moves Programme at their clubs. This will enable young children to develop a wide array of motor skills before choosing a specific sport, which is beneficial to their general development.
