Psycho-social benefits include: Self efficacy (or the belief in one’s ability) is associated with higher levels of physical activity. This means children who are active often experience increased self confidence and self esteem. Involvement in physical activities provides social benefits as well. Children can spend time with their friends while participating in various physical activities. Depression and anxiety are lessened with physical activity involvement. Improvement in children’s quality of life has been documented extensively throughout the literature.

http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_young_people/en/index.html

http://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/everyone/health/index.html