I'm just saying I have spent a lot of time doing both, and joining a sports team is just more effective if you're trying to make friends. Virtually everyone that joins a team is there to make friends, have fun and maybe get fit. Another unrelated reason is if they are there to compete at the professional level which is totally different situation.

loneliness has many antidotes, not just having/making friends. just interacting with other people can stem loneliness.

i both volunteer and play sports (basketball) and while some benefits overlap, i do each for principally different benefits.

basketball provides both regular exercise (that i like and do willingly) and an outlet to be competitive (and even aggressive).

volunteering provides an opportunity to learn something new and give to others.

that both reduce loneliness is icing on the cake.

Sports was better for you, at least for the sports you chose and the volunteering opportunities you chose. That’s fine.

To apply your anecdata to the rest of the world and shout the following is what’s troubling.

> No way! I totally vehemently disagree.