17 is an awkward age for trying to join outside clubs/groups

Post Reply New Topic

Does anyone agree with this? If you look at joing a class for a sport or activity, say swimming for example. The age groups will be like 5-10, 10-14, 14-16 and then adults...When I've been looking for an acitivity to do outside of school or my house my age makes it a bit awkward what age groups to join. I mean I'm not yet 18 but my age is not really part of the younger age groups either.
I much prefer looking at groups where age isn't really a problem although it is a bit weird to join an activity or group and find that you're by far the youngest one there. Although I guess it won't bother some people.
Sorry I may not be quite clear...
Here's an example of what I mean. I was looking at membership of the UK National Trust and you pay a year's membership but the membership age categories are:
5-12
13-17
18-25 etc

So seeing as I'm 17 and a half it makes it awkward to know which category to join...That should make sense.
Anyway as I said before does anyone agree with this? Or is maybe at a different awkward age for this sort of thing?

Whew. I remember those days in my own life!

Go for the older group. You will be the youngest only for a little while, and you will ultimately have "paid your dues" or "earned your spot" right from the very beginning.

Any age is an awkward age for wanting to join a groups. You almost have to let your passion for the activity carry you first and think about making friends second, at least from my perspective.

You're practically "college age". Go for the 18 to 25. Keep alert for older individuals who make you feel uncomfortable because they appear to be predatory. A lot of youth are in conservation groups and nature centers, groups with a cause, "safe" activist groups. You can call first to see if there are people close to your age as well. Like "Shadwell" said : the activity will come first, the social bonding second. You have to develope "you", acquaintances and friends just happen...sometimes they don't but what is important is what "you" derive from the activity.

Thanks for the advice.

Yes you are right! Generally, young children and adults have the best options for sports and clubs. Teens have less options because there is more pressure to be specializing in something and getting really good, like when people have to try out for the high school basketball team and there is cuts. Sports and clubs accessibility kind of looks like an hour glass. It sucks because a lot of teens could use sports and clubs for their development. Usually adults are more relaxed in clubs and sports, and are not as competitive and out to have some fun. If I had to choose a club to join I would look at my interests, such as astronomy, football or guitar. I would like to join an acting group as well.

Transition years can be difficult, gl.