Incidence of Soccer Injuries among 15- to 19-Year-Old Boys in Norwegian National Teams

Incidence of Soccer Injuries among 15- to 19-Year-Old Boys in Norwegian National Teams

Purpose: The incidence of soccer-related injuries among young players has not yet been registered in Norway. It is important to find out which injuries are most frequent on each level and how we can best prevent these injuries. The purpose of this study was to examine which injuries 15-, 17-, and 19-year-old male soccer players are exposed to. Methods: A descriptive epidemiologic study. Male soccer players aged 15, 17, and 19 years were asked to complete a questionnaire covering their injuries in the last two years. These players were all on the national teams in Norway. Results: Among the 15-year-old boys, 51% reported acute ankle sprains, 50% acute groin pain, 36% acute knee pain, and 29% acute hamstring injuries. Fifty-four percent reported one or more overuse injuries. Among the 17-year-old boys, 55% reported acute ankle sprains, 35% acute groin pain, 30% acute knee pain, and 28% acute hamstring injuries. Sixty percent reported one or more overuse injuries. Among the 19-year-old boys, 52% reported acute ankle sprains, 39% acute knee pain, 29% acute groin pain, and 10% acute hamstring injuries. Sixty-eight percent reported one or more overuse injuries. Conclusion: This study indicates that 15-, 17-, and 19-year-old boys playing for the Norwegian national teams have many overuse injuries. Ankle sprain is the most commonly reported acute injury. The high incidence of injuries in these players highlights the need for education and prevention programs in youth soccer.