The good thing about soccer is the game can be played year round.  The bad thing about soccer is the game can be played year round. 

I can remember while growing up, playing many pickup games on basketball courts, an open plot of land or anywhere there was available space.  If a ball was available, we played.  What I don’t remember is hearing about is muscle and ligament injuries.  There is no question that some of you are playing, training for too long, and too hard without recovery time.  I am speaking to you as players but also to the parents and coaches out there who continuously push to the limits.  The professional organization and structure of children’s sports has led to a staggering increase in the number of overuse injuries that are reported.  

Recently, I had a conversation with a Sports Medicine doctor who he told me some downright ugly situations in terms of joint injuries, in particular knees.  Overuse injuries are exclusive to organized sports and are true sports injuries.  No pain – No gain can lead to possibly being inactive because of injury.  Over training and playing while hurt will hurt you in the long term.  If you hurt or if you feel pain – STOP or you will make it worse.  Treat it now and maybe you can return to activity.  Wait until later and you risk not being able to play for a much longer time or, even worse, not being able to play the sport again.  You are at risk for overuse injuries because you are growing and you are very active!

You must train and practice intelligently.  It is impossible to be constantly in shape throughout the year.  Rest is important; however the older you are and the more in shape you are, the length can be shorted.  According to research, after high intensity training, interval running, or competition in soccer games, it is required that there be at least 48 hours of recuperation and during hot weather, 72 hours.  Now, we are not saying that you should do nothing for 48 hours, but the intensity and duration of exercise should be a lot less.

Some of you are playing intensely upwards of 70 games in a season!  Professionals from around the world don’t every play half that many games in the season.  We have seen an increase every year of the signs of overuse from organized youth sports like soccer with many reports of knee injuries, lower back, and lower leg – ankle pain.  There might be other factors that have to be looked at like shoes, field surfaces, and physical body make-up, but most of these injuries stem from overuse, and improper rest in between activity.  Remember, rest also means fueling up properly. 

A national study has begun and already many organized youth sports programs have begun to make changes in these areas.  You will benefit from this study – I am sure of it.  Stay tuned; I will continue to report on this study as more information is released.  Stay Healthy!

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