Soccer injuries in childhood

Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2003 Jun;13(3):175-8. doi: 10.1034/j.1600-0838.2003.00294.x.

Abstract

A prospective study of soccer injuries, involving 287 male youth players, from the ages of 12-15 was conducted in 24 Greek soccer clubs, during the course of one year. A total of 193 players sustained 209 injuries. The incidence of injuries was 4.0 injuries per 1000 h of soccer time per player, and the most common types of injuries were sprains and strains. Surprisingly, it was found that an increase of injury incidences occurred during practice. Fifty-eight injuries required medical assistance. The majority of injuries (80%) were located in the lower extremities. Collision with other players was the most common activity at the time of injury, accounting for 40% of all injuries. The conclusion of this study and the evidence from other studies suggests that youth soccer is a relatively low risk sport. However, a substantial amount of injuries could be prevented. It is necessary to identify the risk factors, which are associated with these types of injuries.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Athletic Injuries / classification
  • Athletic Injuries / epidemiology*
  • Causality
  • Child
  • Contusions / epidemiology
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorders / epidemiology
  • Fractures, Bone / epidemiology
  • Greece / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Leg Injuries / epidemiology
  • Male
  • Prospective Studies
  • Soccer / injuries*
  • Soccer / statistics & numerical data
  • Sprains and Strains / epidemiology
  • Tendinopathy / epidemiology