This type of injury in women’s football has been the subject of attention for a long time.
The initiative is the result of the organization’s “commitment” to the health and well-being of female soccer players.
UEFA has announced the introduction of a new initiative focused on awareness and prevention of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. The initiative is the result of UEFA’s commitment to the health and well-being of female athletes, and an ongoing effort to make the game safer for female footballers.
This type of injury in women’s football has been the subject of attention for a long time.. UEFA’s creation of a panel of women’s health experts, whose work and attention is dedicated exclusively to women’s football, reflects the rapid development of the sport. Specifically, regarding ACL injuries, the panel created a group of internationally renowned experts and researchers whose mission is to better understand ACL injuries and their prevalence in women’s football.
One of the first steps announced today by this group is the creation of an ACL injury awareness questionnaire aimed at all members of the women’s football community, with the aim of gathering more information and addressing the specific needs of each segment of said community. This initial step will help to gain a deeper understanding of the daily challenges faced by people affected by ACL injuries in women’s football, whether they are players, coaches, doctors, physiotherapists or parents.
The long-term goal is to publish a UEFA consensus document on the prevention and treatment of ACL injuries by summer 2024., plus an updated ACL injury prevention program. This consensus will provide evidence-based guidelines on topics ranging from ACL injury prevention and common risk factors to injury mechanisms and optimal return-to-play strategies, all tailored specifically to women’s football.
This initiative will be the core of a broader awareness campaign about ACL injuries and their prevention, which is expected to start in the second half of 2024to promote and educate stakeholders in prevention programs at all levels of women’s football.
Zoran Bahtijarevic, UEFA Medical Directorsaid on the occasion of the third UEFA Football Doctors Program seminar in Zagreb: “Addressing the prevalence of ACL injuries in women’s football is crucial for the well-being of footballers and the advancement of the sport. The proactive step UEFA’s decision to establish an expert panel reflects a commitment to understanding and reducing these injuries in the future. The questionnaire will aim to gather ideas and current awareness, but also collect solid data that will be used as the basis of our consensus and training programme. prevention”.
“The collaborative effort of the football community is extremely important, and We hope this initiative fosters a safer and more sustainable future for women’s football. all over the world,” added Bahtijarevic.