Got football fever in Central Texas? Kicking it around can score major summertime goals for heart and brain health
AUSTIN, July 7, 2026 — As international soccer excitement catches attention across Texas this summer, catching a fever for football (as soccer is known outside the U.S.) may actually be healthy for you, according to the American Heart Association. With fans gathering at watch parties across Austin and Central Texas or traveling to Dallas for games, cheering on their favorite teams and soaking up the excitement of the sport, chances are you may have the urge to kick around a soccer ball yourself. That can add up to some great health benefits for both your mind and your body.
“Whether played recreationally in a park, through organized leagues, or simply with friends and family, soccer offers a strong social component that can boost motivation and support mental well-being,” said Dr. Puja Patel, director of pediatric psychology, Dell Children’s Medical Center. “Finding an activity you genuinely enjoy is key to staying active, and soccer makes that easy. It’s fun, it’s social and it supports long-term health. That combination is powerful.”
Unfortunately, most people aren’t moving enough. According to the American Heart Association’s 2026 Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics, only 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 5 youths 6 to 17 years of age in the U.S. meet national recommendations for being physically active.
Central Texans have no shortage of opportunities to get involved. From pickup matches at local parks and neighborhood fields to youth leagues and adult recreational programs throughout the Austin area, soccer offers an accessible way to build healthy habits while connecting with the community. Physical activity is an important component to overall heart health by helping to: manage weight, lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels. Regular exercise can also: improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep.
Soccer also offers the kinds of physical activity that can improve brain health, by boosting aerobic capacity and oxygen and blood flow to the brain. In addition to its physical benefits, soccer offers important mental and social advantages. The team-based nature of the sport fosters connection, camaraderie and emotional well-being.
“Because chronic conditions like heart disease often develop over many years, establishing healthy habits in childhood is crucial for minimizing cardiovascular risks later in life,” said Byron Holt, MD, FPICS, FSCAI, chief, pediatric cardiology, Texas Center for Pediatric & Congenital Heart Disease, Dell Children’s Medical Center. “Engaging in consistent aerobic activities, such as soccer, not only helps maintain a healthy weight and blood pressure, but also improves overall cardiovascular endurance, creating a strong foundation for long-term heart health. Soccer is an inclusive sport that can be tailored to any age or ability, ensuring accessibility for all.”
Throughout the championship, fans in four Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) host cities across the U.S. are also getting the opportunity to learn a powerful, lifesaving skill. The American Heart Association is bringing its Nation of Lifesavers™ mobile CPR unit to FIFA Fan Festivals in Atlanta, Dallas, New York City and Philadelphia. At the unit, people will be able to practice Hands-Only CPR, learn how to recognize cardiac arrest to respond quickly and build confidence to take action in an emergency. The initiative supports the Association’s goal to double the survival rates of cardiac arrest by 2030 by empowering more people to act in an emergency.
Learning Hands-Only CPR is one of the most important things anybody and it is only two simple steps: Call 9-1-1 and push hard and fast in the center of the chest. With nearly 3 out of 4 cardiac arrests outside the hospital happening at home, knowing CPR can help save the life of someone you love.
Learn more at Heart.org.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Michael Vybiral: michael.vybiral@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
