Football is a popular sport among children of all ages. Here, we share some of the reasons why children play football and why a love of the sport should be encouraged.
1. They like being active
Children who love running around play football as it enables them to be energetic and burn energy. Although they’re required to follow the rules of football when they play, these very rarely interfere with the amount of running children do when playing the game. It can be a good idea to swap player positions throughout the game as goalkeepers and defenders tend to run around less than strikers and midfielders which can cause frustration.
2. It boosts their mood
When we do something that we enjoy, we get a burst of endorphins which provide a mood boost. This makes us want to continue, or repeat, the thing that triggered the endorphin release. Exercise is known to be one of the main reasons for endorphin release, which is one reason why children play football – it makes them happy and improves their mood. Not only is this a nice feeling for the child, but it also has a positive impact on their concentration and focus which benefits their teachers.
3. They get to play with their friends
As a team sport, football gives children the opportunity to play with their friends in a structured way. Many kids love any opportunity to play with others, which is another reason why football is so popular. Typically, football can be played with as few as five players per team, making it accessible for most children during the school day, whether this is part of a P.E. lesson, during morning break and lunchtime, or after school. Providing both halves of the match are of roughly the same length, the game can last for a quick 20-minutes or much longer, making it the perfect game for playtime.
4. They have a football loving family
Quite often, children want to play football because they come from a family that love the sport and support a team. This is a great first step for getting them involved in playing the game, whether they also want to sit and watch matches with their family or not. Having a football loving family can also encourage healthy competition within children which can be a good quality providing they understand that losing is just part of being a football fan and don’t let this upset them.
5. They have a great football coach
When a child has a great football coach, they’ll look forward to playing, learning new skills, and improving their technique. A coach that children like, listen to, and trust will encourage them to play the sport and gain all the benefits that come with this. The same can be said for P.E. teachers who help children to grow their love of the game and stay active as a result.
At Sport and Health Academy, we love working with children who enjoy playing football and we’re passionate about igniting this love in those who may not have had the chance to play yet. Contact us today to find out about the services we provide, including football coaching.
