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. 2025 Aug 20:19417381251360017.
doi: 10.1177/19417381251360017. Online ahead of print.

Sports-Related Concussions and Closed Head Injuries in Pediatric Female Soccer Athletes: A 10-year Analysis of National Injury Data

Jennifer Yu  1 , Avanish Yendluri  1 , Julian V Javier  1 , Kareem S Mohamed  1 , Dennis M Bienstock  1 , Christon Darden  1 , Salvatore Capotosto  1 , Arianna L Gianakos  2 , Rachel M Frank  3 , Robert L Parisien  1
Affiliations

Sports-Related Concussions and Closed Head Injuries in Pediatric Female Soccer Athletes: A 10-year Analysis of National Injury Data

Jennifer Yu et al. Sports Health. .

Abstract

Background: Female athletes are underrepresented in sports injury research, particularly regarding sports-related concussions (SRCs) and closed head injuries (CHIs). This study analyzes injury mechanisms in pediatric female soccer players to better address risks in this population.

Hypothesis: It was hypothesized that soccer-related SRCs/CHIs in pediatric female players are most commonly caused by ball contact and direct player collisions, with a decrease in incidence over time due to improved safety measuresStudy Design:Descriptive epidemiological.

Level of evidence: Level 4.

Methods: The National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS) was queried for soccer-related SRCs/CHIs in girls aged 2 to 18 years from 2014 to 2023. Injury narratives were reviewed to identify mechanisms. National estimates (NEs) were calculated using NEISS statistical weights, and linear regression evaluated trends over time.

Results: SRCs/CHIs comprised 16.1% of soccer-related injuries in females aged 2 to 18 years, with 84,519 nationally estimated injuries (2946 NEISS cases). Players aged 14 to 18 years accounted for 63.8% of cases. The most common mechanism was being hit by a soccer ball kicked by another player (35.0%). Player contact, including head-to-head collisions and rough play, caused 25.2% of injuries. For goalies, being kicked or kneed in the head was the leading mechanism (34.6%). A significant decrease in injuries was observed over time (P < 0.05).

Conclusion: Female pediatric soccer head injuries decreased significantly from 2014 to 2023, with most injuries caused by ball contact or player collisions. These findings support implementing safety initiatives, such as headgear, concussion education, and gameplay modifications, to reduce injury risks based on the mechanisms identified.

Clinical relevance: This study highlights the need for safety measures that can be applied broadly across age groups to mitigate soccer-related head injuries in pediatric female athletes.

Keywords: National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS); head injury; injuries; soccer; sports medicine.

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Conflict of interest statement

The following authors declare potential conflicts of interest: R.M.F. has received consulting fees and educational support from Arthrex; educational support from Bodycad USA Corp, Gemini Mountain Medical, and Pinnacle; hospitality from Joint Restoration Foundation and Smith & Nephew. A.L.G. has received consulting fees and educational support from Arthrex; hospitality from Linvatec and Paragon 28; educational support from Gotham Surgical Solutions and Kairos Surgical. R.L.P. has received educational support from Gotham Surgical Solutions.

Figures

National estimates of head, neck, and spine injuries among female athletes aged 2 to 18 years from 2014 to 2023, by region
Figure 1.
Nationally estimated SRCs/CHIs for pediatric female athletes aged 2 to 18 years from 2014 to 2023. NE, national estimate.
“Yearly count of sports-related injuries for women aged 2-18 (2014-2023) by age group, decreasing 2019-2020.”
Figure 2.
Nationally estimated soccer-related injuries for pediatric female athletes aged 2 to 18 years from 2014 to 2023, stratified by age group.
“From 2014 to 2023, the most common mechanisms for North American emergency department visits to sports injuries are falls, blows from a soccer ball, and unspecified injuries.”
Figure 3.
National estimates for the 4 most common injury mechanisms reported at US emergency departments between 2014 and 2023.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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