Beyond the game: evaluating a soccer-centered approach to physical activity and health education in children

Due to only 25% of U.S. children meeting the physical activity guidelines, we aimed to determine feasibility of team sports to engage children in at least 60 min of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity daily and increase health knowledge.

This 11-week quasi-experimental pre/post intervention study was conducted in two after-school programs around metro Atlanta, GA, USA (C1, n = 18; C2, n = 22). The 11 for Health program is an 11-week active learning model that involves 2 × 45 min per week soccer drills, small-sided games, and health education modules. Assessments included health knowledge and physical fitness metrics such as estimated VO₂, standing long jump, balance, agility, and handgrip strength. Non-participants were defined as missing 3 or more sessions and/or not participating in the activities. Descriptive statistics and t-tests were used to compare pre- and post-intervention assessments, stratified by participation level.

C1 were on average 9.2 years old, 31% female, and 100% White. C2 were on average 9.8 years, 48% female, and 67% Hispanic and 33% Black. Attendance was 69% (SD 0.26) in average over the 11 weeks for both cohorts, with no difference in attendance between groups. Agility improved significantly [2.7 s(1.5); 95% CI: -3.2,-2.2] overall but no between-group difference was found. C2 participants improved significantly compared to C1 participants (p = 0.006) in left handgrip. C1 performed significantly better on the health knowledge test (p = 0.023; 95% CI: 0.018, 0.225) but neither cohort improved over time.

The program is feasible for American children; however, careful consideration of setting and coaching staff is necessary.