Consistent participation in such activity from childhood is associated with improved mental well-being among adolescents, researchers say.
Experts recommend starting sporting activity from an early age, and call for greater integration of girls into team sports.
World Health Organization recommendations encourage children of all ages to stay active to reap the benefits of regular physical activity, including improved cardiorespiratory capacity, muscular fitness, bone health, cognitive performance, and healthy blood pressure. These are just some of the reasons why national and global health authorities are regularly urging parents to encourage young children to participate in sport. This has prompted researchers at the University of Queensland to take a closer look at the impact of sport on the mental health of the very young.
Children who play in a team experience greater mental health benefits, possibly due to the social aspects. “This could be due to the social aspects such as being surrounded by supportive peers, opportunities to form friendships, and working towards a collaborative goal.”