Keeping Young Soccer Players Safe

Injuries are common, but largely preventable

Maybe it’s the dream of being a David Beckham or Mia Hamm, maybe it’s just the fun of being on a team with friends—for whatever reason, soccer is the fastest-growing sport among children. As with any sport, there are injury risks and preventive measures that you should know as a soccer Mom or Dad.

“Soccer has two types of injuries,” says sports medicine physician Laura Dunne, M.D., of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. “Acute injuries are caused by sudden force or impact, and cumulative injuries occur over time. The risk for either type depends partly on the child’s gender.”

For example, when girls decelerate on the field, their body structure tends to create greater stress on the ACL (anterior cruciate ligament, a major connector in the knee). That puts them at greater risk than boys for knee sprains and ACL tears.

Age is another factor in soccer injury risk. “Children ages 4-10 tend to run in clusters, so they trip over each other or the ball,” says Dunne’s colleague, orthopedist Barry Berger, M.D. “As they get older and their skills become more developed, the competitive level increases. That contributes to harder play.”

The most common soccer injuries for boys and girls of any age are wrist and hand injuries and ankle sprains. Ankle injuries are a special concern for younger children, whose bones are still growing. Injury to the growth plates can lead to unevenness or deformity of limbs.

While you can’t prevent every accident, you can help your child have a safe, enjoyable experience with soccer by following these tips:

• Check with your child’s physician to make sure there’s no health-related reason she shouldn’t play soccer.
• Scout the leagues and coaches. Make sure your child will be in a setting with the proper safety certifications and rules. The fields, goals and balls should be sized for his age level.
• Don’t permit heading before age 12. Hitting the ball off the top of the head can lead to a concussion in a player who’s not ready. “Young children are still learning the fundamentals and aren’t coordinated enough physically for heading,” Dunne says.
• Protect your child’s feet. “Due to the hard ground in our area, most soccer cleats are ineffective,” Dunne says. “Try to purchase a turf shoe, which is less traumatic to the foot. If your child does use cleats, over-the-counter arch supports will help prevent stress injuries in the heel.”
• Don’t forget pads. Mouth guards, shin guards and cups are all necessary to help reduce injuries. Younger children may need protective headgear.
• Remember—it’s about having fun. Unrealistic expectations create stress that can lead to injuries.

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