Project ACL Launched to Reduce ACL Injuries in Women’s Football

Project ACL has been launched to address the alarming number of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s football, with 37 players missing last year’s Women’s World Cup due to such injuries. The initiative, a collaboration between FIFPRO, the PFA, Nike, and Leeds Beckett University, aims to reduce ACL injuries and increase player availability.

ACL injuries are more common in women’s football, with research showing that women are two to six times more likely to suffer from ACL injuries compared to men. The study will focus on players in the Women’s Super League in England and provide solutions to prevent these injuries, with a particular emphasis on non-contact ACL injuries.

Dr. Alex Culvin from FIFPRO highlighted the significance of this project, stating that it is the first time that four major stakeholders have come together to address ACL injuries in women’s football. The initiative was prompted by players reaching out for more research in this area.

The investigation will involve a review of existing academic research, a needs assessment of FA WSL clubs, and real-time tracking of player workload through the FIFPRO Player Workload Monitoring tool. The study will also examine the impact of workload, training, travel, and female-specific football boots on ACL injuries.

High-profile players such as Sam Kerr and Vivianne Miedema have suffered ACL injuries recently, emphasizing the urgency of this project. The findings from the study will be shared with football stakeholders, including FIFA and regional confederations, to improve player welfare and reduce the incidence of ACL injuries in women’s football.