What injuries are common in youth football ?

In children and adolescents, the types of injuries and conditions follow a precise timeline, linked to their physiological development and ossification process. Between the ages of 6 and 11, the heel is particularly prone to trauma. During this phase, Sever's disease is the most common growth-related condition among young athletes. It occurs when the Achilles tendon pulls on an incompletely formed bone, causing pain.

From ages 11 to 13, kneecap pain becomes more frequent. Osgood-Schlatter disease is a common condition during this period, resulting from repeated microtrauma to the lower part of the patellar tendon at its attachment to the tibia—an area that is heavily used in soccer.

At 14-15 years old, pain typically shifts to the pelvis, and by 16-17 years, it predominantly affects the spine (back). This clear correlation between age and type of injury makes it nearly impossible for coaches to take specific preventative measures. Additionally, children do not exclusively play soccer; they often participate in other sports, particularly at school.

For instance, it is commonly advised to avoid imposing vertical plyometric exercises (such as hurdle jumps) on young soccer players to protect their growth plates. This recommendation is indeed accurate.

From 6 to 11 years old, the heel; from 11 to 13 years old, the kneecap; then the pelvis at 14-15 years old, and the spine at 16-17 years old...
 

The issue is that the boy or girl playing hopscotch in the schoolyard is already engaging in vertical plyometric activity! In short, while it is difficult to act preventively, there are certain reflexes that coaches should develop.

The first is to listen to the child. Pay attention to whether they are in pain, limping, or showing signs of discomfort, and take their pain seriously. A growth-related condition in the heel, for example, is a minor but debilitating injury. Parents are advised to get silicone heel pads from a pharmacy, which are highly effective. In any case, it’s important not to let the issue linger. With Osgood-Schlatter disease, failing to address a child’s pain could mean they are sidelined for a year instead of just a few months!

Lastly, listening also means knowing how to initially reassure the child. For instance, a nosebleed can be very frightening for a child. Beyond attentiveness, the coach must also address the psychological dimension of the situation to provide comfort and reassurance.

No muscle injuries

While children may experience muscle soreness, their remarkable healing capacity excludes any form of muscle injury (such as strains or tears). Similarly, sprains are not observed in young athletes. The few serious injuries recorded among young soccer players are limited to minor fractures (e.g., a forearm fracture requires about 4 weeks of rest for a child compared to 6 weeks for an adult) or, even more rarely, an avulsion fracture of the lateral malleolus (requiring 3 to 4 weeks in a cast).

In extreme cases, a child may suffer from an undiagnosed cardiac malformation. The signs usually do not manifest as chest pain but rather as a feeling of malaise or dizziness. In such instances, it is essential to inform the parents promptly.

Place strong emphasis on hydration
 

As mentioned, it is challenging to take preventive action against growth-related conditions. Stretching, for example, will only provide an added educational value for young soccer players. It’s only around the age of 13 that natural stiffening begins, making flexibility exercises necessary.

However, the coach must ensure proper hydration among the players. Thermoregulation (the mechanism that maintains a consistent body temperature) is less effective in children, making them more prone to dehydration.

Lastly, note that any lower-body muscle strengthening before the age of 18 may benefit the soccer player later but can also increase the risk of developing growth-related conditions.