Research by Exeter University has found that it's better for adolescent boys to play football than to go swimming or cycling, in terms of their bone development.
The Sport and Health Sciences department spent a year studying 116 boys aged 12 to 14 who were taking part in the different activities.
They already knew that exercise is key to bone growth, but now say weight-bearing sports are the most beneficial.
The study suggests that other sports such as tennis and basketball will have similar benefits.
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