In lower levels of play, the lateral ankle sprain is the most common injury, especially
amongst male youth soccer players. Purpose: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the effects
of an injury prevention program on the incidence of ankle injuries in male youth amateur players.
Study Design: Randomised controlled trial study. Methods: Fifty boys (mean ±SD: age 13.3±0.4
yr; body mass index of 20.9 ± 1.5 kg/m2
; stature: 1.6 ± 0.1 m) from two-sport schools, with 4.4 ±
0.5 years playing experience, participated. Players were randomly assigned to either an
experimental (EXP, n = 25) or a control (CON, n = 25) group. A physical exercise program
designed exclusively for youth male soccer players to educate as well as increasing the awareness
of the risk of injury of athletes and coaches. Over one year, all injuries were documented monthly
by physiotherapists. Complete monthly injury reports were available for 50 players. Results: Nine
ankle injuries occurred in the EXP group, and 20 injuries occurred in the CON group,
corresponding to incidence rates of 0.96 and 2.16, respectively, per 1000 player hours, which
equates to 55% fewer injuries in the EXP group. Conclusions: The incidence of ankle injuries
among youth male soccer players can be reduced by the implementation of a multifaceted, soccerspecific
physical exercise program. Coaches and players need better education regarding injury
prevention strategies and should include such interventions as part of their regular training.