Beyond the Game: Benefits of High School Football

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Living in this world is a constantly changing affair. 30 years ago everyone knew everyone and the young respected the old. Parents would greatly exaggerate how difficult their life was as a kid and how easy we have it now. Each generation has a new story to tell. However, one element that does not change from generation to generation is high school football. Regardless of age, the effect football has had on youth is constantly rewarding. Although opposing convictions may elucidate the barbaric nature of football, the sport is adequately composed of beneficial elements. Therefore, youth should play football in order to experience the positive benefits. Physical health improves one’s abilities on the field and beyond. Developing cardiovascular fitness provides the ability to play better, run harder, and last longer, while playing the game. For example, when John started playing football he became fatigued soon after he began running. His physical health was not at the level needed to perform at an optimal level. However, with continued effort, his cardio health improved, and John was able to continue playing football without premature exhaustion. The physical exercise improves self-esteem and confidence. For example, Todd was somewhat timid in 7th grade. He had never played sports and he was lacking social abilities. Todd started running and lifting weights. He started feeling better about himself and decided to play football. From the moment Todd stepped on the field he was recognized as one of the best. His social status improved and his confidence grew. Todd realized that exercise, through football, impacted him in ways he never could have imagined. Although Todd doesn’t play football anymore, as an adult, he h... ... middle of paper ... ... glorious game. Suddenly, the valorous players race to the field. Banners are flying, the band is playing, and fans are screaming. It’s Friday night football. A time when young and old gather together to celebrate generations of gridiron glory. Now it’s time for some football. Works Cited DeRoche, Edward. "Sports and Character: Five Questions Five Answers." Momentum 2009: 148. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 30 Nov. 2011 “Fall safety.” Health & Wellness Resource Center, 2006. Web 29 June 2011 Messina, Joe. "Words of Wisdom." Hockey Weekly 33.19 (2007): 24-. ProQuest Research Library. Web. 30 Nov. 2011. Miller, Jeff. “Academic Eligibility Requirements.” Gulf High School Athletics, Web. 23 Nov. 2011 Skelton, Christine. “A Passion for football”: Dominant masculinities and primary schooling.” Sport, Education and Society 5.1 (2000): 1. Web. 23 Nov. 2011.

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