How playing football can support your ‘mind and body’ – what you need to know
The World Cup is one of the most effective catalysts for bringing new fans and players to football
- Improves cardiovascular fitness – Dr Sam Botchey, consultant in musculoskeletal, sport, and exercise Medicine at HCA UK, said football challenges “the heart and lungs at different intensities” which can “improve your cardiovascular fitness significantly.”
- Strengthens muscles and bones – Football “loads the body in multiple directions”, making it “great for all of your muscles, tendons and bones,” Botchey said.
- Improves balance and coordination – Botchey added: “Playing football is also really useful for developing neuromuscular control, confidence in your movement and proprioception”.
- Teaches resilience – “You learn resilience that you only get from learning what loss feels like and learning how to recover from mistakes,” Botchey said.
- Fosters social connection – “Football is a social currency which brings people together,” said Danny Potter, football coaching and performance programme lead at the University of Chichester.
