Football is a popular sport, there is no doubt about it. Many children have felt the ball skipping by their feet as the grass tickles their toes. Football is a bubble of fun, laughter and fitness, but how does it benefit us mentally?

Playing a team sport is valuable medicine for a good night's sleep. In my opinion, there is nothing better than sitting down after a hard team practice, knowing that you did your best, and your team were proud of you. The participation in a team sport can build your confidence, self-esteem and self-respect. This is essential in life and will make you feel exceptional, giving you a new aspect of life.

Engaging in a team sport can also benefit your social skills, as I have already said, it helps you communicate.  As human beings, we are programmed to react and speak with others. In life, there will be mountainous amounts of times that we are supposed to talk to someone and playing football can help us do that. 

Mental health is  a huge issue. Football and team sports can help improve symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. Also, being in such a supportive environment and a team will make you feel loved and accepted.  I personally treasure my team and have bountanous friends there. I love the sport like when the moon swims in the clouds, like when the sun greets the morning. I suppose you truly know you cherish it there if you can't imagine a world without them.

I have tried to persuade you to play football. However, like a mountain can’t make a bird fly, I can't make you do the best thing for you. In one school 97% of athletic students graduated, 10% higher than those who had never played sports. This shows how great football is for all aspects of life. Play football, you will not regret it.

Bethan, U13 Girls - Goal Keeper