Team sport: More than just a way to keep fit

Positive social and mental health outcomes

For Charlotte Riggs, Central District premiership player in the Hostplus SANFL Women’s League, playing football is as much about the social aspects as it is about the game.

“I love meeting new people on the field,” Charlotte says. “There are so many people with different life stories who come together to play a game they love. Playing footy has helped me to build lasting friendships, and whether you win or lose, it’s a great experience to have with your team.”

Charlotte’s experience rings true for Angelique Foran, Clinical Psychologist and Director at Supported Minds Psychology, who says the benefits from team sports are not just physical, but mental and social.

“Participation in team sports improves not only mental health and social outcomes in adults but also presents additional benefits when compared to individual sports¹,” Angelique says. “Evidence suggests that team sport participation is associated with enhanced overall mental health including improved mood, life satisfaction, self-esteem, self-rated health and frequency of laughter in adults. These indicators increase with the amount of time spent participating in sports.”

For Jacob Kennerley, captain of Norwood Football Club in the 2024 Hostplus SANFL League, it’s the mix of socialising and exercise that keeps him coming back.

“Working collectively to achieve something is really empowering,’ Jacob says. “Being part of the football team keeps me fit, and it’s a great way to escape from everyday working life or study.”

Sturt SANFLW player Isobel Kuiper agrees.

‘I love coming out and having a run with the girls,’ Isobel says. ‘It’s good for my mental health to get out into the sun and have a kick and chat with friends. After a long day at work, it’s nice to be able to have a run and let the stresses go.’

There is further evidence to indicate that engaging in sports during adolescence can be protective against symptoms of depression and anxiety in young adulthood, with continued participation linked to lower depressive symptoms over time².

“We know that the further benefits of participation in sports are positive social outcomes, improved self-control, enhanced interpersonal communication, and the cultivation of a sense of belonging,” Angelique says. “Additionally, engaging in group activities, such as team sports or informal group activities, is associated with increased social connectedness.”

Charlotte says playing for her team is something she looks forward to each week.

“Playing sport is a great break from school and home, and I get to come to football and enjoy hanging out with my friends. It makes me feel super energised for the rest of the week,” Charlotte says.

Getting started

Showing up every week for your team and not wanting to let anyone down will help you achieve the Heart Foundation’s recommended 30 minutes of moderate intense activity we should all be aiming for each day³.

Isobel suggests the best way to get started with a team sport is to make it social.

“Grab a friend or group and start with something that’s a bit of fun, and then build-up from there,” Isobel says. “If you love it, go and find a more professional team, attend some training and play the games. It’s great fun.”

Regular exercise and preventing injury

Tim Bass, Sports & Spinal Physiotherapist, Clinical Director & Partner at myphysioSA says that the regular weekly nature of team sports allows participants to be more consistent with their activity, leading to longer-term improvements in the areas of cardiovascular fitness, strength and mobility.

“From a physiotherapy point of view, the key to preventing injury when you are starting out is to start slowly and build up over the first few weeks and months to ensure the load on your body is gradual,” Tim says. “This might include doing part sessions or playing half games initially, with regular rests. It is also important in many sports to ensure you have the correct protective equipment to prevent contact injuries.”

Health Partners is a Premier Partner of the SANFL Men’s and Women’s League 2024, supporting team sport and the health and wellbeing of South Australians.

^1,2 Eather, N., Levi, W., Pankowiak, A., & Eime, R. (2023). The impact of sports participation on mental health and social outcomes in adults: A systematic review and the ‘Mental health through sport’ conceptual model. Systematic Reviews, 12, 1-27. doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s13643-023-02264-8

³ Heart Foundation (2024). Finding time for physical activity is one of the best things you can do for your heart. https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/healthy-living/physical-activity/physical-activity-getting-started