NWSL Joins Project ACL to Combat ACL Injuries in Women's Soccer
Project ACL: NWSL joins WSL in initiative aimed at expanding injury research
The Guardian
Image: The Guardian
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has partnered with the Women’s Super League and the global players’ union for a three-year initiative, Project ACL, aimed at reducing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries among female soccer players. This research will explore both biological and environmental factors contributing to the higher incidence of these injuries in women.
- 01NWSL joins Project ACL, a three-year initiative to reduce ACL injuries in women's soccer.
- 02ACL injuries are 2-6 times more likely in women than men, often due to biological and environmental factors.
- 03High-profile players like Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema missed major tournaments due to ACL injuries.
- 04Project ACL aims to create injury-prevention programs based on comprehensive research.
- 05Less than 10% of sports science research focuses on women, highlighting a gap in existing studies.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is collaborating with the Women’s Super League (WSL) and the global players’ union, Fifpro, on Project ACL, a three-year research initiative aimed at reducing the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women’s soccer. Studies indicate that women are two to six times more likely to suffer ACL injuries compared to men, often due to a combination of biological factors and environmental conditions such as pitch quality and training resources. This initiative builds on a previous project launched in 2024 and seeks to address the lack of comprehensive research focused on female athletes, who make up less than 10% of sports science studies. High-profile athletes like Leah Williamson and Vivianne Miedema have missed significant tournaments due to ACL injuries, underscoring the urgency for improved injury prevention strategies. The project will involve surveys and interviews with players across both leagues, aiming to develop tailored injury-prevention programs that can be implemented by clubs and leagues, similar to protocols for brain injuries. The NWSL's vice-president of sporting, Sarah Gregorius, emphasized the importance of player health and performance for the league's future, stating that this initiative will help create better support systems for athletes.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
This initiative could lead to enhanced training conditions and injury prevention strategies for female soccer players, ultimately improving their performance and health.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think more research should be conducted on women's sports injuries?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.


