Neuromuscular Training in Female Youth Soccer

Effect of Neuromuscular Training on Physical Performance and Injury Rate in Elite Female Youth Soccer Players

The goal of this clinical trial is to analyze the effectiveness of an NMT-based, injury prevention training program ('FIFA 11+ for Kids') in pre-adolescent (Ages 8 to 11) elite female soccer players by measuring neuromuscular control and motor coordination through pre-intervention and post-intervention testing. As well as monitoring the incidence of injury throughout a soccer season.

This study will recruit females aged between 8-11 from several teams within a large, competitive elite soccer club. Whole teams will be assigned to either the intervention group or an age-matched control group. Participants will be informed which group they will be placed in prior to participation in the research study. As directed by their respective coaches, the intervention group will receive neuromuscular training (NMT) through an already established, validated protocol (FIFA 11+ Kids); whilst the control group will perform their standard warm-up during soccer practice sessions. The program will last for the duration of the spring soccer season (January - May 2023; 5 months). All study participants will be required to attend two evaluation sessions (pre-intervention and post-intervention) in order to measure performance in speed, agility, hop testing, dynamic balance and strength.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elite female soccer players aged 8-11.
• Member of an elite youth soccer club.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Female not aged 8-11 years old.
• Not a member of a youth soccer club.
• Unable to attend the pre-intervention or post-intervention evaluation, for reasons other than injury.
• Unable to attend 80% or more of scheduled training sessions.
• If a participant discontinues playing soccer they will be excluded.
• Declines to participate in study.