Boys soccer league injuries: a community-based study of time-loss from sports participation and long-term sequelae

Background: Youth soccer is important for keeping European childrenphysically active. The aim of this study is to examine injuriessustained in a community soccer league for boys with regardto age-related incidence, time lost from participation and long-termsequelae. Methods: Primary injury data was collected from asoccer league including 1800 players, comprising approximately25% of all boys 13–16 years of age in three Swedish municipalities(population 150 000). Injuries were primarily identified basedon a time loss definition of sports injury. At the end of theseason, a physician interviewed every player who reported injuredto determine whether there were any remaining sequelae. If asequela was confirmed, the physician repeated the interview6, 18 and 48 months after the end of the season. Results: Forty-fourinjuries were recorded during 18 720 player game hours (2.4injuries per 1000 player game hours). The highest injury incidence(6.8 injuries per 1000 player game hours) was recorded in thefirst-year elite divisions. Thirty-two injuries (73%) were categorizedas moderate-severe, and 21 injuries (48%) required medical attention.Eight injuries caused sequelae that remained 6 months afterthe end of the season, and 3 injuries caused sequelae that lasted4 years after the injury event. Conclusion: An overall low injuryrate makes soccer a suitable sport for inclusion in programmesthat promote physical activity among children. When organizingsoccer leagues for boys, injury prevention programmes shouldbe provided to adolescent players when they begin playing incompetitive divisions.