Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 20, 2025
An Inertial Measurement Unit Based Method to Estimate Hip and Knee Joint Kinematics in Team Sport Athletes on the Field
Published on: May 26, 2020
Injuries are negatively associated with player progression in an elite football academy
Jon Larruskain1, Jose A Lekue1,2, Imanol Martin-Garetxana1,2
1Medical Services, Athletic Club, Lezama, Spain.
Background:
The aim was to investigate the association of injuries with male football player continuity, progression and chances of reaching the First team in an elite academy.
Methods:
Injuries and exposure time were prospectively recorded, following the FIFA guidelines, over 6 seasons (2011-2017) in Under (U)12, U14, U16, U19, 2nd/3rd team and First team players from the same professional football club.
Results:
U19 and 2nd/3rd team players progressing to the next level had a lower injury burden and higher match availability compared to players that did not progress. Injury burden was lower in players progressing from U12 to U14. All players progressing from the 2nd/3rd teams to the First team had a match availability higher than 84% and did not suffer an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture or an injury requiring over 200 (+200) days to return to play. In U19 and 2nd/3rd team players, injuries requiring +100 and +200 days to return to play, ACL ruptures and groin pain, but not hamstring and ankle ligament injuries, were associated with lower odds of continuing in the academy each season.
Conclusion:
Injuries were negatively associated with player progression, and injury prevention and return-to-play strategies should be a priority for football academies.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:22Burn Injuries
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...