Epidemiological Study with One Health Policy Implications Incidence, Sever ity, and Characteristics of Injuries in Youth Soccer: A Retrospective Epidemi ological Study with One Health Policy Implications
Abstract:
This study examined the incidence, severity, and characteristics of injuries in youth soccer players aged 12–18 years within a One Health and public health policy framework. A retrospective observational study was con ducted among 154 male players from a Portuguese professional club academy during the 2011/2012 season. Injury data were collected using a FIFA F-MARC–based questionnaire, and incidence was calculated per 1000 hours of exposure. A total of 165 injuries were recorded, with 74.7% of players sustaining at least one injury. Injury incidence increased with age and was higher during matches than training sessions. Lower-limb injuries were most prevalent. These findings highlight the importance of injury surveillance and age-specific prevention strategies, contributing to safer youth sport participation and informing One Health–oriented pub lic health policies.
Objective: This study aimed to analyse the incidence, severity, and characteristics of injuries in youth soccer players aged 12–18 years and to examine their epidemiological relevance within a One Health and public health policy framework.
Methods: A retrospective, cross-sectional observational study was conducted involving 154 male youth soccer players from a Portuguese professional club academy during the 2011/2012 season. Injury data were collected using a structured questionnaire adapted from the FIFA Medical Assessment and Research Centre (F-MARC) protocol. Only injuries sustained during training sessions or official matches were included. Injury incidence was calculated per 1000 hours of exposure.
Results: A total of 165 injuries were recorded during the season, with 74.7% of players sustaining at least one injury. Injury incidence increased progressively with age, with the highest rates observed in the Under-17 and Under-18 age groups. Injuries predominantly affected the lower limbs, particularly the thigh, knee, foot, and ankle. When adjusted for exposure time, injury incidence was substantially higher during matches compared with training sessions, indicating a significantly increased risk during competitive play.
Conclusion: Youth soccer players are exposed to a considerable risk of injury, particularly at older ages and during competitive matches. These findings highlight the importance of structured injury surveillance and age-specific prevention programmes. From a One Health perspective, systematic monitoring of injury patterns in youth populations contributes to broader public health resilience, supports evidence-based policy develop ment, and reinforces integrated approaches to community health and injury prevention.
