Prevent Injuries in Young Soccer Players

Soccer is generally a safe and healthy form of exercise and competition for children. However, some precautions should be taken to maximize safety. According to a review in the March 2000 issue of the journal Pediatrics, about three million children are registered in high school and youth soccer associations in the US. Reports on its popularity show an annual increase in participation of up to 22% percent. Of the approximately 150,000 soccer-related injuries that occur each year, 45% occur in participants under the age of 15.

Parents should be careful that their children are involved in a level of competition that is comfortable and appropriate for the child and the family. Accurately assessing where a child is in his or her stage of development is important to placing the child in an appropriate program. A coach should be selected for his or her dedication to developing children's soccer skills, not on the basis of their wins and losses.

Children and their families have to accept that injuries do occur during the course of play. With more intense training, the frequency and severity of injury may increase. A healthy balance of practice time, game time, and days off can prevent overuse injuries. Overuse injuries, such as stress fractures, are often from over-training and can be prevented. Flexibility may be more important than strength in preventing soccer injuries. There is a common misconception that children are inherently more flexible than adults, but this is not always true, particularly during adolescence. Children should take the time for a good warm-up and should be involved in a good flexibility program.

If a child has a predisposition to certain injuries -- such as multiple ankle sprains -- he or she should be examined before participating. Supportive braces may be appropriate. Children with other ailments, such as asthma, should also be assessed and educated about participating in soccer in a healthy manner.

Soccer injuries in young athletes occur at the rate of about 2-5%, with female players reporting more injuries than males. The risk of injury does not seem to be related to player position. Studies suggest that adolescent players of both sexes may be more likely to be injured than younger children. Fatal injuries, though rare, almost always were the result of goal posts falling on top of players.

Lower extremity injuries account for up to 81% of all injuries, with knee injuries accounting for up to 26% of injuries and ankle injuries accounting for up to 23% of injuries. However, according to the journal's data, fractures occur more frequently in the upper extremity than the lower extremity.

Because a study of adult soccer players in Norway showed potentially serious consequences of "heading" the ball, there has been concern about children heading the ball. While further study is needed, children under the age of 12 probably should not be encouraged to head a soccer ball. Use of soccer headgear to prevent head injuries has been advocated by some non-medical organizations.

Because of the incidence of eye injuries in soccer, the American Academy of Pediatrics' Committee on Sports Medicine and Fitness recommends that protective sports eye equipment be worn. Likewise, the use of mouthguards has been advocated to prevent injuries to the teeth and mouth. Shin guards are important protective equipment for all children playing soccer.

Playing with minor aches and pains is okay, as long as they are of short duration (24-48 hours). Severe pain, persistent pain or difficulty walking should prevent soccer participation until it has resolved or been evaluated by a physician. Chronic pain around the hip or knee joints or the lower back may be signs of more serious developmental problems and needs to be investigated.

MCW Health News presents up-to-date information on patient care and medical research by the physicians of the Medical College of Wisconsin.