If you’ve ever watched a football game, you’re probably well aware that the players need to have a certain level of fitness in order to do their best on the field. But it turns out that football is actually superior to other forms of exercise when it comes to increasing fitness and burning fat.
Not only is football the most popular sport in the world, but it’s also arguably the best for fitness. In fact, a study from Copenhagen University found that the stop-start nature of football, along with the sustained running in each game actually helps build long-term fitness. The study found that football is better for your health than lifting weights or going for a run. Not only does it help increase bone density, but it also benefits the heart.
Kids have plenty of sports available to play, especially in Australia. But football is an excellent option if you’re hoping to increase your kids’ fitness while ensuring that they’re still enjoying themselves.
Most kids are not going to try a sport just because of its heart-healthy benefits or because it’ll help them build endurance. But they’ll try (and stick to) a sport that’s also fun. Football allows them to play with their friends, learn new skills, and start a game anywhere, anytime- with just a ball and a goal.
While your kids are busy focused on learning how to kick the ball further and how to score against another team, they’re developing mobility, flexibility, agility, and speed. Football players need to be coordinated enough to constantly keep the ball moving down the field and away from the other team, dodging their attempts to steal the ball. This means that they’re constantly doing drills that build these skills while also building explosive power through kicks and defensive moves.
As a parent, you’d probably like your kids to do a sport that will keep them moving, allowing them to run off some of that excess energy while also keeping obesity at bay. But it’s likely that this isn’t your only goal when it comes to finding the best sport for your child. Luckily, football will also help your kids develop other skills, which will serve them as they grow into teenagers and adults.
While they’re sprinting down the field after the ball, they’re learning communication skills as they work with their team. Of course, they’re also learning how to be a good team player and how to follow instructions from their coaches and referees.
Football is fast-paced, which means kids are entirely focused on the game, and learn to think on their feet- even when they’re tired. Since it’s competitive, they also learn how to be a gracious winner and a good loser, dealing with disappointment and practicing good sportsmanship. Football players grow from constructive criticism, and it’s likely that you’ll watch your kids' self-esteem and confidence increase as they learn that hard work and concentration is all it takes to learn a skill that may at first seem too hard.
If you’re looking for a new sport for your kids, football is a great choice. Not only will it help them stay fit, but they’ll learn skills that they’ll use not just on the field, but throughout their lives. If you’d like to learn more about football at Kikoff, get in touch with one of our friendly team members today.