Development of Physical Skills and Personality in High School Students Through Football Training as an Extracurricular Activity

There is a growing interest in extracurricular and out-of-school activities for pupils, given their positive effects on the development of individuals. In the present study we aimed to develop a training program for the game of football as an extracurricular activity that integrates both physical skills and personality traits in high school students. The research design assumed a pre-posttest design, with the dependent samples t-test used as the statistical method of investigation. The physical abilities tracked in the study were body mass index, body harmony, exercise endurance, fitness, body recovery after exercise and endurance running. As personality traits we looked at dominance, emotional stability, spontaneity, sensitivity, intelligence, conformity and discipline, sense of self, and refocusing on planning as a positive cognitive-emotional coping strategy. The results show that football, as an extracurricular activity, offers the possibility of harmonious physical and mental development of young people.