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Chloe Chivers, a footballer who suffered major ligament injuries in both of her knees, described the recovery process as “mental torture.” At 26 years old, playing for Swansea City Ladies, Chivers found herself confined to her house after rupturing her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) twice, prompting thoughts of retirement. Studies have shown that female footballers are significantly more likely than their male counterparts to experience ACL injuries, with players like Megan Wynne of Wales missing out on the upcoming Euro 2025 tournament due to such injuries. Experts attribute this trend to the lack of structured performance pathways in women’s football.
In 2018, Chivers ruptured the ACL in her right knee during a Women’s Champions League qualifying match for Cardiff Met. Three years later, she experienced the same injury in her left knee. Recalling the incident, Chivers mentioned a dislocation event during a tackle, leading to the rupture. Despite vowing to retire if she ever suffered an ACL injury, Chivers underwent two successful operations thanks to the support of her family, allowing her to return to the pitch. The recovery journey proved challenging as she grappled with the physical and mental toll of the injuries.
The higher prevalence of ACL injuries in female footballers has long been a subject of research and concern. Events like rapid directional changes and landing after heading the ball on the pitch can contribute to such injuries, which typically require six to nine months of recovery time. Notable players like England’s Leah Williamson and Australia’s Megan Wynne have faced setbacks due to ACL injuries, affecting their participation in significant tournaments. While some athletes like Wales’ Sophie Ingle managed to make a comeback for the Euros, others like Wynne unfortunately had to forego the opportunity.
The reasons behind the increased susceptibility of women to ACL injuries are multifaceted, involving anatomical and structural differences compared to men. Sara Gray, a sports therapist, highlighted aspects like bone structure and alignment that contribute to this vulnerability in females. Dr. Kate Williams, a senior lecturer in sports therapy, emphasized the disparities in the structure and support systems available for male and female athletes. Addressing these issues through tailored injury prevention programs and standardized warm-up routines could potentially reduce the occurrence of ACL injuries by a significant margin, providing a more supportive environment for female athletes in football
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