Why Soccer is Perfect for ADHD Athletes

May 2, 2022
By Holly McGrath

ADHD isn’t widely talked about in the world of youth sports. But, if you follow the Olympics, you may have heard Gold Medalists like Simone Biles, and Michael Phelps speak about their life with ADHD. This diagnosis isn’t a limitation when it comes to sports. Some parents may even be hesitant to put their ADHD child in sports thinking, “How will they be able to focus on the game, on practice, on learning?”

While those are valid concerns, it is now clear that more athletes may have ADHD than previously suspected. And guess what? Sports are a GREAT outlet for ADHDers giving them a place to release energy and hone their hyperfocus trait that comes along with having ADHD.

What is ADHD?

According to psychiatry.org, “symptoms of ADHD include inattention (not being able to keep focus), hyperactivity (excess movement that is not fitting to the setting), and impulsivity (hasty acts that occur at the moment without thought). An ADHD diagnosis is one of three types: inattentive type, hyperactive/impulsive type, or combined type. A diagnosis is based on the symptoms that have occurred over the past six months.”

Although each athlete may have a specific sport that best resonates with them and helps manage ADHD symptoms, soccer can be an excellent fit for ADHD athletes.

Here’s why soccer is perfect for ADHD athletes:

The constant action is good for holding short attention spans.
Sports help to improve symptoms by increasing neurotransmitters in the brain. These symptoms include; an increased ability to pay attention, to stay on task, and reduced impulsiveness. It can also improve sleep quality.
Creates a sense of belonging and community.
It helps athletes to live in the moment.
These athletes tend to hyperfocus which could help them block out distractions in practice and games.

ADHD should not be a diagnosis to stop you from stepping on the field. Maybe it’s not soccer that resonates with the ADHD athlete, or maybe soccer has played a MAJOR role in coping with ADHD symptoms. Sports can be a lifestyle management tool used by ADHDers that can positively impact other areas of their life.

Soccer offers the opportunity to run off a ton of excess energy, allows for living in the moment when focusing on kicking the ball and playing defense, and there are clear roles for each position on the field that can keep the athlete’s attention. The goal of the game is straightforward–stop goals, score goals.

The details in between give the ADHD athlete the space to flex their ADHD superpowers showing those around them that their diagnosis isn’t a limitation but an opportunity to find something where they can excel. There are plenty of sports that are ADHD friendly…starting with soccer!