Mens sana in corpore sano: sports effects on children learning in Italy

This study analyses the impact of sports participation on both cognitive and noncognitive skills using micro data from Italian fifth grade pupils’ test scores. The performance of students is investigated by estimating different frequencies of sports practice. Using sports facilities as an instrument for sports participation, we find that its effect on school performance is positive, but only for an intermediate level of training. Sports drills have a negative effect, especially on females, when the extremes come into play: both inactivity and full-week action. On the contrary, daily sports practice seems to be effective on non-cognitive skills, revealing positive contributions to some personality traits that represent a major component of human capital.