The Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Playing Football on Girls and Women in Europe

The Psychological and Emotional Benefits of Playing Football on Girls and Women in Europe

This academic research was designed to understand more about the impact of playing football on the psychological and emotional health of teenage girls across Europe. It explores issues ranging from confidence, self-esteem, well-being, friendship, and togetherness. The report also considers the longer-term effects on life skills, motivation, schoolwork, and careers.
The project was comprised of three strands:

1. An exhaustive review of literature and existing research concerning the positive links between playing football/ team sports and confidence, selfesteem, emotional well-being, life skills, and personal development in females.
2. A quantitative survey providing data on girls playing football and a comparison of the positive psychological and emotional states associated with playing football, with those derived by girls playing the other main team sport in the surveyed country. A comparison with girls not involved in any sports in the surveyed country was also provided.
3. Qualitative one-on-one interviews, providing personal testimonies regarding the links between playing football and positive psychological and emotional states in girls and women in Europe. Interviews were conducted with 48 young female footballers (13-17 years old) and 12 older footballers (18 years and older).