Whilst the emergence of social media and online gaming was initially thought to be dragging kids indoors, or at least keeping heads firmly in phones, the pull of the football pitch is still apparent in this modern age. Indeed, sports as a whole continue to be a huge aspect of modern society and is still increasing to grow in popularity.
Whether it be the social, personal, health and/ or fitness aspects, hundreds of thousands of people revolve themselves around sport. And the science shows it to be extremely beneficial in a variety of different ways; health, fitness, strength and endurance included.
Football’s appeal, specifically, is its ease to play competitively or socially, such as simply having a ‘kick around’ as a group.
The aspects of sport and football brings communities together and has great impacts on younger players, growing a friend circle and opportunities. Football training for kids specifically promises bonding between family and friends as well as enhancing social connections and interactions as well as increasing a child’s focus and attention.
The fitness benefit
Sports like football have numerous physical and mental benefits. It helps kids stay healthy by keeping their recommended fitness levels up as well as improving their strength and flexibility.
The game is a reasonable paced sport that requires most of the players to be constantly running and sprinting with short periods of breath, somewhat similar to HIIT. Whilst most of the game is played with the ball at the feet, the various sharp movements in either direction, as well as the many times where shielding the ball is required, actually work the body as a whole. As standards go up through the professional leagues, its not uncommon to find a pro running 7+ miles a game – much of that sprinting,
Not that the game necessarily need to be played so intensely, rules and limitations can be adjusted when playing non-competitively. A slower type of game play may indeed have greater cardiovascular benefits.
And It’s not just your aerobic capacity improved with a simple kick around. Those seeking to lower body fat, improve muscle tone, build strength and flexibility will find the sport ideal to meet their fitness goals.
We haven’t even mentioned the social and personal aspects. Playing the game helps develop cognitive responses in the brain as multiple decisions are needed within each passage of play. Such intense exercise is great for realising neurotransmitters, helping regulate moods and happiness.
The need for team work, work ethic and responsibility is ideal for those seeking to increase their self-esteem, improve concentration, persistence and self-discipline as well as meet new people. Making kids understand that not everything will go there way in their lives is sometimes difficult to communicate, sporting endeavours, however, can show your child that dignity in defeat as well as putting bad results behind them can make them more fulfilled and mentally more robust people.
Playing for fun
Stepping away from the competitive aspects, there are many personal benefits: Starting with the significant boost of self-confidence and self-esteem.
Unsure where your skill set and personality fits into the game? Football also has several different positions available to suit players – for example, for those new to the game, the position of goalkeeper may be suitable to get the feel of the game and to slowly build up their fitness level whilst still being active in the game and participating as a team.
Those needing a little more action will likely graduate to centre midfield or indeed striker.
Joining a club
Those looking for a competitive edge will do well to look into their local clubs. Whilst the name of the game is largely to win matches, a good club will try to enforce friendly game play and encourage the wins and losses as equal to effort and team work.
Newcomers lacking in confidence are recommended to practice their skills with a friendly game between a group of friends. Once a player becomes competent, the step towards competitive play can be made with ease.
Overall, the purpose of sport is enjoyment. It includes many benefits socially, personally, health and fitness as a result of partaking.