Effects of an 8-Week Supervised Small-Sided Recreational Football Intervention on Physical and Psychological Outcomes in Adolescent Girls: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Adolescent girls often demonstrate lower physical activity levels compared to boys, increasing their risk of both physical and psychological health challenges. Small-sided recreational football (SSRF) offers a dynamic, team-based approach that may effectively promote physical fitness and mental well-being among this underserved population. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week supervised SSRF intervention on selected physical (speed, agility, flexibility) and psychological (self-esteem, anxiety, perceived stress) outcomes in adolescent schoolgirls.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 36 girls aged 14–17 from a school in Kalimpong, India. Participants were randomly assigned to either the SSRF group (n = 18) or an active control group (ACG; n = 18). The SSRF group participated in 60-minute sessions (3 times/week) involving progressively structured small-sided football games. Physical outcomes were assessed using the 50-meter sprint, Illinois Agility Test, and Sit-and-Reach Test. Psychological outcomes were measured using the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Perceived Stress Scale. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA (p 0.05).Results: The SSRF group showed significant improvements compared to ACG: speed (+5.16%), agility (+6.26%), flexibility (+14.44%), self-esteem (+30.96%), and reductions in state anxiety (–13.66%), trait anxiety (–13.23%), and perceived stress (–28.54%), all with large effect sizes (p 0.001, η²p ≥.64).