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Parents often wonder whether extracurricular activities, especially sports, are worth the time, fearing they might distract from schoolwork. Science provides a clear answer: sports don’t just strengthen the body—they develop the brain. physical activity directly influences brain chemistry and structure, increasing key areas like the hippocampus, essential for memory, and basal ganglia, which manage attention and movement control. regular exercise also boosts brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), promoting the growth of new neurons and stronger neural connections.
Sports Shape Intelligence, Discipline, and Curiosity
Psychologist Oksana Homel explains that children should have at least two extracurricular activities outside school. Sports foster cognitive development, curiosity, and a lifelong interest in learning. Kids who grow up engaging in physical activity often become adults who enjoy intellectual pursuits, self-development, and exploring new ideas.
Choosing the Right Sport
The choice depends on the child’s interests and parental goals—whether to nurture a future champion or promote overall development. Experts recommend team sports like football, which teach discipline, communication, teamwork, coping with loss, and celebrating victory.
Football as a School of Life
Bogdan Boyko, president of FC “Metalist 1925,” emphasizes that sports schools teach children life skills alongside athletic abilities. Team sports train children to analyze actions, make decisions under pressure, and develop soft skills such as focus, adaptability, and strategic thinking—skills valuable both on the field and in life.
Sports Help Manage Stress
In today’s stressful environment, physical activity serves as “movement therapy” for children, helping them release tension, focus on goals, and develop self-discipline. Team sports, like football, channel energy positively, teaching children to work collaboratively while providing a sense of achievement and resilience.
In short, sports are not just physical exercise—they are a critical investment in a child’s cognitive development, character, and emotional resilience.
