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Association between regular organized indoor soccer training and executive function performance in preadolescents: A
Hamid Kaddouri1, Salahddine Zerouali2, Mohammed Bouayad3
1Department of Educational Sciences, Ecole Normale Supérieure, University Moulay Ismail, Meknes, Morocco.
Applied Neuropsychology. Child
|May 13, 2026
Summary
Regular indoor soccer training enhances preadolescents' visuospatial working memory and cognitive flexibility. This study found soccer players outperformed non-athletes in key executive functions, suggesting team sports benefit cognitive development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience and Cognitive Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sports Science
Background:
- Executive functions (EFs) are crucial for goal-directed behavior and adapting to changing environments.
- Preadolescence is a critical developmental stage for cognitive maturation.
- The impact of team sports on EFs in preadolescents requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between regular indoor soccer training and executive function performance in preadolescents.
- To compare specific EF domains, including visuospatial working memory, cognitive flexibility, verbal working memory, and inhibitory control, between young soccer players and non-athletes.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 60 preadolescents (30 soccer players, 30 controls).
- Standardized neuropsychological tests were used: Backward Corsi, New Card Sorting Test (NCST), Forward and Backward Digit Span, and Stroop Test.
- Non-parametric statistical tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction were applied for group comparisons.
Main Results:
- Soccer players demonstrated significantly better performance in visuospatial working memory (Backward Corsi, p=0.042).
- Enhanced reactive cognitive flexibility was observed in soccer players (NCST categories completed and non-perseverative errors, p<0.005; perseverative errors, p=0.048).
- No significant differences were found in verbal working memory or inhibitory control between the groups.
Conclusions:
- Regular indoor soccer training is linked to improved visuospatial working memory and reactive cognitive flexibility in preadolescents.
- Team sports participation may play a beneficial role in the cognitive development of children.
- Limitations include a cross-sectional design and small sample size, necessitating longitudinal research for causal inference.
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