FA and WSL launch major study into ACL injuries in women's football

FA and WSL launch PhD study with Imperial College London to understand why female players suffer ACL injuries at 2-6x the rate of men and identify prevention strategies.

The Football Association and WSL Football have launched a major research project to better understand anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women's football and find ways to reduce them. Funded by the FA, the PhD study is being conducted with Imperial College London and sports knee surgeon Simon Ball, led by researcher Hanna Lehtovirta. It will involve clubs across the Women's Super League and WSL2.

ACL injuries are among the most serious issues in women's football, often sidelining players for months. Research shows female footballers are two to six times more likely to suffer the injury than male counterparts. Players including Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Sam Kerr have suffered the injury in recent years.

The study will be conducted in two phases. The first uses player surveys to gather data on injury history, training and match load, hormonal, nutritional and psychological factors, comparing data from players who have suffered ACL injuries since 2018-19 with those who have not. The second phase involves interviews with players and staff to explore perceptions of ACL injuries and current prevention approaches. Researchers hope the findings will shape future injury prevention, rehabilitation and player welfare strategies.