No abstract

This case study investigated injury risk and patterns in players newly transferred to a professional football club. Time-loss injuries were recorded prospectively over 8-seasons (2008-2015). Injury incidence overall, in match and training, and patterns (contact, non-contact, sprain, strain, overuse and re-injury) were compared in transferred players (n=25) across their first versus second seasons and with those in players currently at the club at the moment of the transfer (n=55 individual players, 134 in total). Incidence Rate Ratios [IRR] in transferred players in their first versus second competitive season ranged from a 0.9 lower risk in training to a 1.5 higher risk of sustaining a contact injury (respective p values: 0.74, 0.19, inferences: unclear, likely harmful) in the first season. IRR for transferred players in their first and second seasons compared to rates in the same seasons in current players ranged from a 0.5 lower risk of incurring an overuse injury to a 1.1 higher risk of match injury (respective p values: 0.18, 0.89, inferences: unclear, possibly harmful), both occurring in season 1. For the between season and group comparisons, effect sizes regarding mean injury layoff time and matches missed ranged from trivial to small (0.03-0.22). Although limited to one club, these findings are positive as generally there was no meaningful increase in injury risk or burden in newly transferred players. Potential explanations include systematic pre-participation screening and injury prevention protocols and player rotation strategies in place at the club.

A contemporary issue in soccer talent development is the potential use of futsal as a training tool. This paper utilised survey methods to quantitatively assess the perspectives of high-level coaches working in youth player education, and players of futsal and 11-a-side soccer (n=77).Respondents completed surveys before and following a showcase game between an Under-21 international futsal team competing against a Premier League Under-21 soccer team.Responses were positive about futsal generally as a training aid and specifically, skills transfer from futsal into soccer performance. The majority of respondents (89.6%) indicated 'postgame' that they considered futsal could be useful for soccer talent development. Similarly, 90.9% stated they would consider its integration in their training/games program. Analysis of opinions on futsal regarding its constraints and the impact its specific rules may have on skill acquisition generally reported positive perceptions: 89.6% of participants suggested that pitch size improved skills (strongly agree=33.8%, agree=55.8%), 88.3% believed the pass back rule enhanced ball reception skills (strongly agree=27.3%, agree=61%), and 89.2% perceived that futsal can help develop 'multifunctional' players (strongly agree=27.3%, agree=62.3%). This knowledge of the constraints and potential for skill acquisition linked to futsal participation is a first step in aiding soccer coaches to understand potential learning returns from its inclusion in talent development policies and programs.

No abstract