Soccer is more popular in the United States than ever before and it is a great way to get kids outside and staying active. However, as with any sport, there is a risk of injury. In fact, every 5 minutes a child is treated in a U.S. emergency department for a soccer-related injury.
Injury Facts for 7-17 year olds
- The majority of the injuries are sprains or strains, broken bones, or soft tissue injuries.
- While concussions and other closed-head injuries (CHI) only account for a small percentage of the injuries overall, but the number and rate of concussions/CHIs have risen dramatically.
- In 1990, just over 1,500 head injuries were treated in ED’s by 2014 this number skyrocketed to 22,750 – or 62 a day.
- Athletes with concussions/CHI are twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital as patients with other diagnoses.
- Young athletes take longer to recover from concussions than older athletes and they can put themselves at risk for second-impact syndrome and repeat concussions if they return to play too soon – both of which can lead to serious, life-altering injuries.
- Most injuries occur when a player is struck by either another player or the ball or when they fall.
- Older children and adolescents ages 12-17 years account for the majority of the injuries.
- Girls are more likely than boys to get a knee or an ankle injury.
Following a few guidelines can help keep your athlete on the field
Additional Soccer Resources
Soccer-Related Injuries Treated in Emergency Departments: 1990-2014
PubMed Abstract - September 2016
Press Release - September 2016
Blog Post - September 2016
The epidemiology of United States high school soccer injuries, 2005-2007
PubMed Abstract - July 2008
Press Release - July 2008
Epidemiology of 1.6 million pediatric soccer-related injuries presenting to US emergency departments from 1990 to 2003
PubMed Abstract - February 2007
Press Release - February 2007
In 1990, just over 1,500 head injuries were treated in ED’s by 2014 this number skyrocketed to 22,750 – or 62 a day.
Athletes with concussions/CHI are twice as likely to be admitted to the hospital as patients with other diagnoses.
Young athletes take longer to recover from concussions than older athletes and they can put themselves at risk for second-impact syndrome and repeat concussions if they return to play too soon – both of which can lead to serious, life-altering injuries.
PubMed Abstract - September 2016
Press Release - September 2016
Blog Post - September 2016
PubMed Abstract - July 2008
Press Release - July 2008
PubMed Abstract - February 2007
Press Release - February 2007
