The integration of sports into social work is by no means far-fetched. The concept of sports social work emerged as early as the 1980s. It pertains to socio-pedagogical programs where sports serve as a central element to achieve social objectives and support individuals in various aspects of their lives. It is an evolving field currently in a phase of development and diversification (Löwenstein et al., 2020, p.44). Sports-oriented socio-pedagogical programs can be found within the traditional practice areas of social work, which can be categorized into education, health, and social services. These three categories encompass various fields of social work, such as addiction counseling, child and youth welfare, or migration social work (ibid. p. 44).

Sport is undeniably a highly effective tool in social work, especially when it comes to supporting children and adolescents in various domains. The versatility of sports allows for a wide range of targeted positive impacts tailored to the needs and backgrounds of young people.

Sport and physical activity in adolescence have the following advantages and positive effects:

• Physiological Effects of Physical Activity in Youth: Regular physical activity in childhood and adolescence has positive physiological and functional effects on the developing organism (Battenberg 2020). In addition to the obvious positive impact on physical fitness, endurance, strength, and flexibility, there are other benefits of exercise that have a lasting impact on the body. For example, regular physical activity in adolescence has been shown to affect bone density and reduce the risk of osteoporosis in later life (Bundesamt für Sport et al. 1999, p. 1). In addition to positive effects on the heart (Kriemler et al 2021, p. 6), sports can also help reduce the risk of diabetes (Röcker, 2020) or be used in the prevention and treatment of obesity due to increased calorie expenditure (Die Techniker). It is proven that regular physical activity in adolescence makes a significant contribution to healthy development and lays the foundation for an active and healthy adulthood (Battenberg 2020).

• Effects of Sports on Psychosocial Health and Well-being: A 2013 study from Australia found that engaging in sports has various psychosocial health benefits, with the most common improvements being increased self-esteem, social interaction, and a reduction in depressive symptoms. This study is one of many that suggests sports can have positive effects on psychosocial health beyond the physical activity-related improvements. Team sports, in particular, are associated with better health outcomes (compared to individual sports), which can be attributed to the social nature of participation (Eime et al 2013). Sports also have positive effects on well-being. Numerous meta-analyses and review articles on this topic confirm the positive changes in well-being through physical activity. Proven and empirically documented effects on well-being include improved mood, increased sense of activation, greater inner peace, and a decrease in negative states such as agitation, fatigue, or depression (Thimme 2017, p. 57ff.).

• Promotion of Executive Functions and Self-regulation through Sports: An essential prerequisite for success in school and life is the ability to regulate one's own thinking, behavior, attention, and emotions deliberately. This ability for self-regulation is based on the so-called executive functions (Kubesch 2013, p. 21). Executive functions comprise a variety of mental abilities that enable us to act systematically, goal-oriented, and thoughtfully. This concept includes various mental processes as well as regulatory and control processes that allow us to adapt our behavior to different situations (Walk, Evers 2013, p.9). The significant advantage of executive functions is that they are located in the frontal cortex and their development continues into adulthood. Furthermore, this part of the brain is adaptable or plastic throughout life, which means it is capable of learning (Kubesch 2013, p. 21). One of the best ways to promote executive functions is through sports, as supported by several studies. For example, physically fit adolescents exhibit higher attention processes and more effective cognitive control compared to less fit peers. Brains of physically fitter individuals work more efficiently than those of less fit individuals (ibid., p. 30).

• Promotion of Academic Performance: Numerous studies demonstrate that sports offer a promising way to positively influence academic performance. A comprehensive long-term study from the UK, for example, shows that physical activities in youth promote academic performance, and this effect appears to persist over the long term. According to the study, adolescents who engaged in moderate to intense physical activity at the age of eleven achieved better grades in school years later (Dick-Paff 2013). Another study conducted in Finland indicates that adolescents who engage in more physical activity achieve better academic results and better manage the transition from primary school to secondary school. Highly active adolescents overall outperformed their less active peers (Kinder- & Jugendärzte im Netz 2019).

• Prevention of Violence, Crime, and Addiction: Sports offer a valuable opportunity to contribute to the prevention of crime (Cameron, MacDougall 2000), violence (Günther 2006), and addiction (Meschick 2021). Numerous studies, literature, and practical reports support these findings.

However, it is important to mention that many of the mentioned positive effects are not achieved through sports alone. Typically, it is the combination of sports and the pedagogical framework that unleashes these benefits: "Effect can only be achieved in conjunction with qualified pedagogical interventions. Playing sports is not inherently educational, nor does it inherently promote social, fair, and camaraderie behavior. Therefore, networking between sports providers and other institutions is desirable" (Günther 2006, p. 2).