There’s no denying the universal hold the FIFA Women’s World Cup and the Matildas have had on Aussie women over the last few years. So much so, women have been joining up to play team sport in droves, even making soccer the fastest-growing sport among women, up 16 per cent1 in 2024.
For women especially, team sport has been found to have profound effects on not only their health but also several other aspects of their lives. From social bonding moments to increased emotional wellbeing, let’s take a look at the benefits you’ll see from joining a team sport…
Benefits of team sport for women:
Physical health benefits:
Joining a team sport is a fantastic way to get your body moving. Not only does it ensure you’ll be heading off to practice and games a few times a week, but the movement can help increase your energy and boost your heart and bone health.
But what you might not know when signing up for a low-contact sport – including sports where you could still come into contact with a bat or a ball or another person – is that you need a custom-fitted mouthguard. In fact, it’s an essential piece of kit.
Thankfully, the process has been streamlined by Pacific Smiles Dental to make booking in for your custom-fitted mouthguard a breeze. With appointments available early in the morning, late at night and even on weekends, you’ll be able to fit it in around your busy schedule and your newfound favourite activity.
Mental and emotional benefits:
Playing a team sport – and physical activity generally – is an effective way to reduce stress and anxiety. Between the mental focus shift away from your stressors to the physical release of ‘feel good’ endorphins, physical exercise is proven to help improve your mood. Plus, you’ll be surrounded by a team of like-minded individuals who can help support you.
Social and personal benefits:
Women are innately social beings, and joining an organised sport allows you to build new, strong bonds among people you otherwise may not have met. And if you’re new to the sport, bonding over the learning process can encourage a good laugh, effective communication and of course, teamwork. And, as you work at improving your skills throughout the season, you’ll be able to feel a sense of personal accomplishment and pride.
So, whether you’re keen to try something new or have daughters or family who might, it’s worth sharing the benefits of team sports with other women in your life. You never know who might put their hand up to be on your team.
A recent survey2 found that 42 per cent of women who either play a sport or have a child who plays sport says they/their child don’t wear mouthguards. And amongst those surveyed half didn’t know when a mouthguard should be replaced.
Your Pacific Smiles Dentist can help you understand the need for a custom-fitted mouthguard, and help you know when is best to book in to replace them, although it is suggested to be every 12 months or when damage occurs. Booking online is easy as it only takes two minutes and Pacific Smiles Dental is open early mornings, late nights, and weekends.
Main Image Credit: Getty
1. Consumer study by Football Australia
2. Are Media Healthanomics Dental Survey 2025, women aged 25-54
Book an appointment with your local Pacific Smiles Dental now. It takes two minutes to book at pacificsmilesdental.com.au. There’s over 110 locations around Australia, and they’re open mornings, late nights and even on the weekend.
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