Football

The world’s most popular spectator sport and, unsurprisingly, one of the world’s most popular hobbies too. This is due to its simple rules, no specialist equipment (just a football) and its versatility. While the professional game has 11 players per side, football can be enjoyed with any number of players just about anywhere – indoors, outdoors, parks, beaches, streets, playgrounds…

Pros:

• Simple rules and easy to learn
• Versatility (11-a-side, 7-a-side, 5-a-side, kickabouts)
• Easy to find places to play (local clubs, pitches and parks)
• Social – and easy to find other players
• Helps teamwork & leadership skills
• Inexpensive and requires very little equipment (sometimes just a football)
• Fitness: increases your aerobic capacity and endurance, and builds muscle
• Health: reduces high blood pressure and body fat, and improves cardiovascular health
• Mental health: releases endorphins, dopamine and serotonin that can help reduce stress and symptoms of anxiety and depression
• Boosts self-confidence and self-esteem
• Improves coordination, agility, reflexes and flexibility
• Increases concentration, focus and problem solving skills

Cons:

• Usually requires good physical fitness
• Risk of minor injuries (like most team sports)
• Hard to practise alone
• Potential fallings-out with teammates

Find your local club: England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland