The benefits of sports for teen mental and physical health

July 30, 2025

Why is it good for teens to take part in a sport or group exercise activity outside of school? There are so many benefits - social, emotional, physical and mental. Skip the screen time and find a sport to suit you.

FYI: this article has been written by Marcus, a member of our teen community.

Why is playing sports important?

Offering a physical outlet for centuries, playing sport is more than just exercise and a way to keep fit - it's a way to meet new people and try new things. In particular, team sports (like football or hockey) can allow you to connect with others in a way that you don’t get in any other scenario.

Being part of a team allows you to create a bond with others who share the same passion, whilst also helping you work together through the competitive drive to beat other teams.

How does playing sport help teen mental health?

When you play sports and do exercise, your body releases endorphins (natural mood lifters), allowing you to feel much happier and more relaxed as a result. Exercise can also help to regulate the body’s stress response, making you feel much calmer as you no longer feel so stressed.

Sports also offer a way to release any built-up stress and tension through a safe environment, allowing you to feel much happier and generally improving your mood.

Why is it more rewarding to play team sports?

As you grow into a team, you become part of that team’s culture, creating a tight-knit bond between you. That group becomes more and more like a supportive family; proof that sports are beneficial for your mental health.

But, as with everything, it affects people differently – so you’ll have to try it for yourself to discover the positive outcomes, whether that be winning a trophy or making friends for life.