Youth Inc. Recommends: Four Great Resources to Understand and Prevent ACL Injuries in Soccer

ACL injuries are one of the most common and devastating injuries in youth sports — especially for female athletes, who are up to 8 times more likely to suffer a tear than their male counterparts. But there’s good news: with the right training, knowledge, and awareness, ACL injuries can often be prevented. 

These five powerful resources offer everything from expert insights to athlete stories and proven strategies. Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this is essential reading (and watching). 

Here are four great resources to understand and prevent ACL injuries: 

A MUST Watch for Any Parent or Female Soccer Player

What it is: A video breakdown of the risk factors contributing to the rise of ACL injuries in female players — and what we can do to lower that risk. 

Why we like it:  Even though it’s a few years old, this video really gets into the issue of ACL tears in women’s soccer and takes us through the journey of two elite level soccer stars.

An In-Depth Conversation About Female ACL Injuries

What it is: USWNT consultant and researcher Holly Silvers-Granelli shares groundbreaking insights on biomechanics, hormones, and the female athlete. 

Why we like it: This goes beyond surface-level advice. Holly’s expertise shapes what top teams and leagues are doing — and parents and coaches can benefit from it too. 

Solving the ACL Injury Problem

What it is: Erica Suter outlines a holistic plan to reduce ACL injuries, including neuromuscular training, strength development, and proper rest. 

Why we like it: This article connects the dots between science and real-life training. It’s not fear-based — it’s solutions-based.

Altering Bio-Mechanics to Mitigate ACL Injuries

What it is: A presentation from Holly Silvers — yes, the same world-renowned ACL expert in our earlier resource link — but this is focused specifically on the role of biomechanics in injury prevention. This session leans more clinical, diving deep into movement mechanics and their impact on ACL injury risk in female soccer players. 

Why we like it: While more technical, this talk gives coaches and medical professionals the exact tools they need to address injury risk through how athletes move.