A surge of ACL injuries in the A-League Women has raised concerns about the lack of investment and research into women's football. Cannon Clough, a defender for Central Coast Mariners, was recently diagnosed with an ACL tear after leaping to defend a high ball, which left her season-ending.
The alarming number of injuries highlights the need for a more holistic approach to understanding the causes of these incidents. The current lack of data and research on ACL injuries in women's football is staggering, with only 6% of all sports science research focusing on women's bodies. This is particularly concerning given that women athletes are two to six times more likely than men to tear their ACLs.
Organisations such as Fifpro, the global players' union, are taking steps to address this issue through its Project ACL initiative. The project, launched in 2024, aims to investigate environmental factors that contribute to ACL injuries, including access to facilities, staff, equipment, recovery, game schedules, and travel.
Fifpro's director of women's football, Dr Alex Culvin, argues that the focus should be on understanding the conditions under which these injuries occur, rather than simply addressing their regularity. The condensed schedule of A-League Women matches during the holidays, combined with the summer temperatures, increased travel, and lack of off-field support, may explain the recent surge in injuries.
Players such as Taren King and Clough are speaking out about the need for more investment in women's football to prevent major injuries and sustain careers. They argue that a full-time structure would provide better care and support for players, allowing them to focus on their training and recovery without having to self-motivate or find ways to set up their own programs.
The A-League Women is calling for more research and investment in women's football to address the issue of ACL injuries. With the league's part-time structure leaving players fending for themselves during their rehab, it's clear that more needs to be done to support the wellbeing of its athletes.
The alarming number of injuries highlights the need for a more holistic approach to understanding the causes of these incidents. The current lack of data and research on ACL injuries in women's football is staggering, with only 6% of all sports science research focusing on women's bodies. This is particularly concerning given that women athletes are two to six times more likely than men to tear their ACLs.
Organisations such as Fifpro, the global players' union, are taking steps to address this issue through its Project ACL initiative. The project, launched in 2024, aims to investigate environmental factors that contribute to ACL injuries, including access to facilities, staff, equipment, recovery, game schedules, and travel.
Fifpro's director of women's football, Dr Alex Culvin, argues that the focus should be on understanding the conditions under which these injuries occur, rather than simply addressing their regularity. The condensed schedule of A-League Women matches during the holidays, combined with the summer temperatures, increased travel, and lack of off-field support, may explain the recent surge in injuries.
Players such as Taren King and Clough are speaking out about the need for more investment in women's football to prevent major injuries and sustain careers. They argue that a full-time structure would provide better care and support for players, allowing them to focus on their training and recovery without having to self-motivate or find ways to set up their own programs.
The A-League Women is calling for more research and investment in women's football to address the issue of ACL injuries. With the league's part-time structure leaving players fending for themselves during their rehab, it's clear that more needs to be done to support the wellbeing of its athletes.
ACL injuries are super bad and if we dont do something about them it's gonna affect a lot of ppl's lives... and u know what the worst part is, they're not even getting the same care as the mens teams 
. It's crazy that only 6% of sports science research focuses on women's bodies? That's just plain wrong 
. And I think its a combo of things - condensed schedules, travel, and facilities... it all adds up to a recipe for disaster 
. We need more support and research ASAP 
. These players are out there giving it their all and then they get hurt because we didnt put in the work 
. I remember watching the A-League Women games back in the day (like, before I was even old enough to watch lol) and they were so passionate about the game... now its like they're just trying to survive 
! It's like they're saying "we're coming for you" 
! I mean, I get it, women's football is growing and all that, but can't we prioritize player safety just a teensy bit more? 
6% of sports science research focused on women's bodies? That's crazy talk 
I mean, Taren King and Clough are speaking truth when they say we need a full-time structure for players to thrive, not just survive 
. We gotta make this happen! 
and I was thinking, have you ever tried doing squats with those little furry friends on your shoulders? I mean, it's like they're trying to hold up half your body weight or something! Anyway, back to the ACL injuries... can we talk about how many times have you heard someone say "it's just a part of the game" when an injury happens? Like, no, it's not just a part of the game, it's a sign that there needs to be more support and investment in women's football 
6% of sports science research focusing on women's bodies is just insane - it's like we're not even a priority. I'm loving that Fifpro's getting involved, but more needs to be done from the A-League Women side too. Let's get some proper support in place for these athletes and make sure they can focus on their game without breaking down! 
we need more than just a project and some fancy research to fix this problem. these players are putting their bodies on the line for what - a measly salary? I mean I get it, women's sports need support but come on, can't they do better than this? 
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. We need more investment in women's football, like a full-time structure for these players would be amazing 
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. We need more investment in facilities, staff, equipment, and recovery programs 
But seriously, how can we expect players to perform at their best if they're struggling with injuries? It's time for Fifpro and the A-League Women to step up and provide more support for these amazing athletes 
and I'm not surprised. The lack of investment and research into women's football is appalling 
The stats are staggering - we're looking at a 2-6 times higher risk of ACL tears for women compared to men 
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. I mean, can you imagine having to rush back from holiday break and suddenly tearing your ACL? 
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) and invest more in research and data on women's football. 6% of sports science research focused on women's bodies is a joke! 
Taren King and Cannon Clough are being super vocal about the need for better care, support, and facilities. A full-time structure would make a huge difference 
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and im all about those ppl advocating for more research & investment 
that women's sports are getting some attention now? It's not like we've been talking about this issue for years... or decades 
. The condensed schedule and lack of off-field support are just excuses, if you ask me 
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