As previous literature updates, I have performed a PubCrawler search looking for football articles in NCBI Medline (PubMed) and GenBank databases.
Following studies were retrieved for this week:
1 Impact of Sleep Restriction and Intensified Training on Mucosal Immunity and Psychological Responses in Young Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 May 18. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005416. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Ayrton Bruno de Morais Ferreira, Shona Halson, Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho, Raíssa Nóbrega de Almeida, Fábio Yuzo Nakamura, Arnaldo Luis Mortatti
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of training intensification during a period of sleep restriction (SR) on mucosal immunity (salivary IgA), upper respiratory tract health, mood states, and stress tolerance in young soccer players. Sixteen male youth soccer players completed 7 weeks of training with varied workloads. Weeks 3 and 5 involved a 75% increase in internal training load (ITL); however, although sleep was unrestricted in week 3, allowing for an increase in total sleep time (TST) (+53 minutes vs. baseline), week 5 included a ∼10% reduction in TST (-44 minutes vs. baseline). Internal training load was assessed using session-rating of perceived exertion, and sleep was monitored via actigraphy. Salivary IgA, upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) severity (Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey), perceived recovery status (PRS), stress tolerance (Daily Analysis of Life Demands of Athletes), and mood states (Brunel Mood Scale) were evaluated weekly. Salivary IgA concentrations significantly decreased in both intensified training weeks (week 3: β = -87.41, p = 0.007; week 5: β = -114.04, p < 0.001). However, only in week 5, this reduction was accompanied by a significant increase in URTI severity (p = 0.001), heightened fatigue (χ2 (6) = 42.499, p < 0.001), reduced vigor (χ2 (6) = 49.422, p < 0.001), impaired PRS (p < 0.001), and lower stress tolerance (p = 0.001). In contrast, during week 3, despite the intensified training, PRS, mood states, and stress tolerance remained stable. These findings emphasize the protective role of adequate sleep during intensified training, as greater sleep availability in week 3 may have mitigated the negative effects observed in week 5. Ensuring sufficient sleep during periods of high training loads is essential to maintain physical and psychological health.
2 Multidimensional performance characteristics of youth academy and club soccer players
Reference: PLoS One. 2026 May 15;21(5):e0348716. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0348716. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Ulrikke Norill Kvalvaag, Hege R Eriksen, Hilde Gundersen, Thomas Johansen, Anne Marte Pensgaard, Morten Kristoffersen
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0348716
Summary: Talent identification and development (TID) in soccer is complex. While physical performance and skeletal age (as an estimate of biological maturation) are well-established in TID research, the combined role of psychological skills and cognitive function remains underexplored. The aim of this study was to examine multidimensional performance characteristics among U14 players by comparing match-selected academy players (n = 20), non-match selected academy players (n = 14), and club players (n = 22). In total 56 players performed 40 m sprint test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (IR1), and completed validated self-reported mental skills and motivation questionnaires. Executive functions were assessed using tests from Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and skeletal age was assessed from left-hand X-ray images. The results showed that match-selected academy players were significantly taller, had higher weight and bone age compared to both club players and non-match-selected academy players. Match-selected academy players had significantly better physical performance and reported stronger mental skills, compared to club players. Club players reported higher levels of amotivation and external regulation compared to both match-selected and non-match-selected academy players, reflecting a lessself-determined motivational profile. Match-selected academy players demonstrated better decision-making, characterized by a significantly lower tendency to take risks to avoid delay and a greater ability to rationally adjust risk compared to club players. No further group differences were found for the executive function tests between groups.
3 The Effect of Axial Tibiofemoral Rotation on Primary ACL Injury in Professional Soccer Players: A Matched-Cohort Analysis
Reference: Orthop J Sports Med. 2026 May 11;14(5):23259671261419362. doi: 10.1177/23259671261419362. eCollection 2026 May.
Authors: Jakob Ackermann, Mary Jones, Simon V Ball, Adnan S Kabeer, Prashant Bamania, Christopher Watura, Justin C Lee, Andy Williams
Summary: Recent studies suggest that increased tibiofemoral (TF) rotation elevates the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction failure, with a proposed threshold of 4.5° of internal rotation (IR). However, the role of TF rotation in primary ACL injury remains unclear. The purpose was to evaluate whether axial TF malalignment, as reflected by the TF axial rotation angle and tibial tubercle-trochlear groove (TTTG) distance, is associated with primary ACL injury in professional soccer players. It was hypothesized that increased internal TF rotation is associated with ACL injury. A retrospective review was performed on a consecutive series of professional soccer players who underwent ACL reconstruction between January 2012 and August 2024. Inclusion criteria were primary ACL injury and availability of preinjury magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Cases were matched 2:1 by age with controls, who were players who underwent meniscal surgery during the same period and had no history of ACL injury. The groups were compared in terms of age, TTTG distance, medial and lateral posterior tibial slope, resting knee flexion, and axial TF rotation during MRI acquisition. All MRI scans were independently reviewed by 2 musculoskeletal radiologists. Twenty-four professional soccer players (mean ± SD age, 25.3 ± 4.2 years) with MRI and arthroscopy-confirmed primary ACL injuries were included. The control group consisted of 48 players (mean age, 23.6 ± 3.3 years) who had intact ACLs confirmed via MRI and arthroscopy and underwent meniscal surgery. No statistically significant differences were observed between groups for age, medial and lateral posterior tibial slope, knee flexion during MRI, or axial TF rotation (IR, 6.7°± 5.8° vs 4.3°± 5.9°; all, P > .05). The prevalence of resting axial TF rotation ≥4.5° of IR was also not significantly different between groups (70.8% vs 66.7%; P = .721). The TTTG distance was significantly smaller in players with ACL injuries (8.9 ± 3.4 mm vs 10.9 ± 4.2 mm; P = .050) but did not reach statistical significance when adjusted for knee flexion (odds ratio, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00-1.32; P = .059). There was no difference in resting axial TF rotation and TTTG between pre- and postinjury MRI scans in players with ACL injury. In this cohort of professional soccer players, TF axial rotation was not significantly associated with primary ACL injury. Although not statistically significant, the association between a smaller TTTG distance and ACL injury may reflect an underlying anatomic predisposition related to IR malalignment. Notably, neither resting axial TF rotation nor TTTG distance differed before and after injury, indicating that these features are likely inherent.
4 Effectiveness of High-Intensity Small-Sided Soccer Games Versus Traditional Soccer Training on Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Outcomes in Adolescents With Increased Metabolic Risk: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Reference: Transl Sports Med. 2026 May 13:2026:1078783. doi: 10.1155/tsm2/1078783. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Nicolás Gómez-Álvarez, Felipe Hermosilla-Palma, Tomás Reyes-Amigo et al.
Download link: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11396522/pdf/jcm-13-05221.pdf
Summary: Physical exercise is an important component in obesity and cardiometabolic risk management in adolescents, but improving its effectiveness remains challenging. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of high-intensity small-sided soccer games (SSSGs) with traditional soccer group (TSG) on physical fitness, body composition, blood pressure, and metabolic risk biomarkers in adolescent boys with increased metabolic risk. Fifty-one boys (11-15 years) with abdominal obesity were recruited and randomly assigned into one of three groups: i) control group (CG; no exercise, n = 17), ii) SSSG (n = 17), and iii) TSG (n = 17). Over 16 weeks, the SSSG and TSG groups engaged in 3 d/week, 60-min exercise sessions, while the CG continued their usual activities without a structured exercise intervention. SSSG consisted of high-intensity soccer games, while the TSG mimicked the usual soccer practices. Assessments for body composition, blood pressure, physical fitness, and metabolic risk biomarkers were conducted at baseline and immediately after the intervention. The results showed that compared to the CG, SSSG significantly decreased fat mass (p = 0.03) and increased fat-free mass (p = 0.05), while TSG led to significant increases in fat-free mass (p < 0.001) and HbA1c (p < 0.01). When comparing both exercise groups, SSSG was shown to be superior in improving fasting insulin (p = 0.03), HOMA-IR (p = 0.03), total cholesterol (p = 0.04), VLDL cholesterol (p = 0.02), triglycerides (p = 0.03), and the cardiometabolic risk index SPISE (p = 0.02). In conclusion, following a 16-week intervention, SSSG was shown to be superior to TSG in improving cardiometabolic health compared to TSG in adolescents with increased metabolic risk.
5 Cutting Technique of Soccer Players After ACLR: On-Field Matched Control Study
Reference: Am J Sports Med. 2026 May 14:3635465261443313. doi: 10.1177/03635465261443313. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Stefano Di Paolo, Margherita Mendicino, Marianna Viotto, Francesco Aparo, Valerio Ambrosini, Alberto Grassi, Stefano Zaffagnini
Summary: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures in soccer most commonly occur during cutting maneuvers with noncontact injury mechanisms. Biomechanical assessment of the cutting technique has become a critical component of return-to-sport (RTS) evaluation after ACL injury, particularly in young football players at elevated risk of reinjury. However, the cutting technique in players with ACL reconstruction (ACLR) has never been examined under sport-specific conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the cutting technique in pediatric soccer players who had ACLR after RTS clearance against matched healthy controls during on-field soccer (or football)-specific (FS) movements. It was hypothesized that players with ACLR would exhibit risk factors for ACL injury and biomechanical differences relative to healthy counterparts. A total of 61 young soccer players-21 with ACLR (age, 16.7 ± 1.5 years) and 40 healthy matched controls-performed planned and unplanned FS cutting tasks on a regular soccer pitch. Kinematics of the lower limbs, pelvis, and trunk were collected using 8 wearable inertial sensors. Cut-stance phase kinematics were extracted as peak values, range of motion (ROM), initial contact values, and peak knee flexion. A linear mixed-effects model tested the effects of injury (β1, ACLR vs healthy), limb (β2, injured/dominant vs noninjured/nondominant), and their interaction effect (β2 + β3, injury × limb) on kinematics (P < .05). Significant injury × limb interactions (R2: 0.02-0.41; P < .001-P < .046) indicated altered kinematics in players with ACLR compared with healthy controls. Players with ACLR showed greater peak hip flexion (β1 = 22.2°), knee valgus (β1 = 2.3°), and lower knee flexion (β1 = -2.6°) during the unplanned FS task. Players with ACLR also showed reduced lower limb flexion ROM (β1 = -19.6° to -10.6°) but greater pelvis and trunk flexion ROM (β1= 2.2° to 4.8°) during unplanned FS task and greater contralateral pelvic drop and trunk tilt (β1 = -2.9° to -3.7°) in both tasks. Players with ACLR showed biomechanical alterations during field-based sport-specific cutting maneuvers compared with matched healthy controls, despite RTS clearance.
6 Recovery Kinetics After Repeated Sprint Training With Directional Changes in Soccer: It Is a Matter of Angle
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 May 15. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005526. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Athanasios Poulios, Nikolaos Grammenos, Ioannis G Fatouros et al. Reference: This study determined the recovery kinetics of performance, delay onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and neuromuscular fatigue after repeated sprint training using 2 angles of changes of direction (COD) in soccer. Ten male players randomly completed 3 conditions using a randomized cross-over, repeated measures design: control, COD45 (COD of 45°) and COD90 (COD of 90°). Training load was monitored using global positioning system with accelerometers and heart-rate monitors. Blood count, maximal voluntary isometric contraction, countermovement jump (CMJ), DOMS, speed, and agility were measured at baseline and at 24-, 48-, and 72-h postexercise. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction, CMJ, and DOMS were also evaluated at 1-, 2- and 3-h postexercise. Agility, DOMS, and blood count levels remained unaltered in all conditions (p > 0.05). Blood lactate increased (COD45:91%; COD90:89.5%, p < 0.05) postexercise. COD45 was characterized by a higher average (31%) and maximum speed (25%) and lower decelerations (58-77%) and accelerations (66-77%) than COD90 (p < 0.05). The 10- and 30-m speed in COD45 decreased (p < 0.05) by 20 and 9% postexercise and remained lower (4-12%) than that in COD90 for as long as 24 h. Countermovement jump declined (p < 0.05) for 3 h in COD45 (8%) and 24 h in COD90 (5-7%). Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee extensors in COD45 declined (8%) and was lower than COD90 (9%) at 24 h in both limbs. Maximal voluntary isometric contraction of knee flexors decreased (COD45:14%) for 24 h in dominant and 3 h (COD45:2%, COD90:14%) in nondominant limb with COD45 inducing a greater decline than COD90 (p < 0.05). Although COD protocols do not increase DOMS, it seems that COD training at lower angles may be associated with a slower recovery (24 h) than that at greater angles.
7 Wearable sensor assessment of neuromuscular latency: revealing the strength-timing trade-off in female soccer
Reference: BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil. 2026 May 15. doi: 10.1186/s13102-026-01736-3. Online ahead of print.
Author: Özlem Köklü
Download link: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1186/s13102-026-01736-3_reference.pdf
Summary: The high incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in female soccer players persists despite widespread preventive interventions. Traditional screening relies heavily on isokinetic torque ratios to assess mechanical joint stability; however, this approach often fails to capture the temporal dynamics of sensorimotor control. Wearable wireless electromyography (sEMG) provides a viable modality to assess these neuromuscular latency deficits. Twenty-one female soccer players (age: 17.60 ± 0.87 years) underwent reciprocal concentric isokinetic testing at 60°/s, 180°/s, and 240°/s. The hamstring-quadriceps torque ratio was measured via an isokinetic dynamometer and normalized to body weight. Simultaneously, neuromuscular latency was acquired using a wearable wireless sEMG system (BTS FreeEMG) on the vastus lateralis and semitendinosus. Neuromuscular latency was quantified using a computerized threshold algorithm to determine the agonist-antagonist asynchrony. A significant main effect of angular velocity was observed on neuromuscular latency (p < 0.05), which decreased with increasing velocity, reflecting feed-forward adaptation. A positive correlation emerged between the mechanical H/Q torque ratio and neuromuscular latency, most notably at 60°/s (r = 0.792) and 240°/s (r = 0.681). This indicates a paradoxical latency-strength mismatch, in which players with more favourable H/Q torque ratios exhibit significantly delayed neuromuscular reflexive responses. Static mechanical symmetry does not guarantee dynamic temporal efficiency. The identified latency-strength mismatch suggests that standard dynamometry may mask critical sensorimotor deficits. The integration of wearable wireless sEMG technology into injury risk screening is essential to capture these temporal asymmetries and ensure that mechanical capacity is matched by rapid neural drive.
8 Global Trends and Research Hotspots in Soccer Injury Literature: A Bibliometric Analysis (1904-2025)
Reference: J ISAKOS. 2026 May 14:101135. doi: 10.1016/j.jisako.2026.101135. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Raju Vaishya, Alok Singh, Brij Mohan Gupta, Abhishek Vaish, Mandeep S Dhillon
Download link: https://pdf.sciencedirectassets.com/780756/AIP/1-s2.0-S2059775426000714/main.pdf?X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjENX%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIBuntl5vavP%2FLWSVomd0ajPkAqdQXrw3M1LXe4BXz0kAAiEAgmiaLnBgwMyHfEFE0q2M9mIq%2F1EqRnDK3078ewcwlf0qvAUInv%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAFGgwwNTkwMDM1NDY4NjUiDPJqsLJxT0JUModWVyqQBUhs8uBbOOJ8Cweemha4GcAKmv0K5JOt8G1RSbi4Ou9XvPVy8%2BGFtVQj6aeZLtoxmRwcpSL%2FzMS%2B7snfqzZBUq2laBwD0%2FFQtEAwm2LeRQ5mdDXghSzVsHwWg0%2B5SDAI6VyPwJNI9Khxr7iKZhyvQEybEDqI31k%2BM9fgOQ3H9CAelYSHLiZZN%2By5Chw5mgQqseuWPBf1mWXPb6NQDDgY6zzI12ZScGfq1OgKdlmO%2BWhS3hORoEkvCfcilOyf%2BLUbS7ghlp3hrY1DI0vnJQ07AJHvR7HifcfVRdEt4q3yKX0gtoKxWRygPl8Hb7TarmeZb4ooE2u0OYzXpL%2BdNwCiEF1loG%2FwJLszQxOuB4hRFQ94TFgANpxAJMrX3CsSihG8nkrmeBe1Ada4hYGz6po7rHmf1pQTLRtDeJcbfSSbqpcNswbYXigW6Zu2RN8VoLrkFwB55AxR1pI%2Fpm8oF08BpnCzZYYM5U5mr1EOXjjQ4Rf9FAqbiqLbyuRbN1yTiBUrk5u5DJ186JHJ6E%2BI2jhwy%2Ffin8Mgsc0JTpFpPTcsy%2FPd5a76tYEqT8QA1Sj9OqwfLUHwTXc1%2B98jCL5DBwuWCadEEQBHNSgbivdjGhFgOohsw2HBjsVjKsZOAeflARQCuvU2IGJoUfbFJS6950ciqNrH8jaZQexozkf%2F7qp%2FZ1%2FFv4qeDOoRmdmIjxt0PuL%2FN1Sms2EZUIWy4lHL339%2FW48Fzg57aJIHV4uztCa0aehFshzECMR4lKZIhZDdYatPYBjV%2Bz7WKCxY7aWhAvTyB8jpS84UMQW79MX8HiH86Cg5EuDj5okOMkHftdNCEKrqt7x%2FOeZ7G8Pc%2FF3dDH5ecUAZ5%2Bu%2B1G5SV697lkJ83kUyMI%2BYpdAGOrEBlo2bF1Xx3D1oRBp%2BDVMkImJw%2FtLS5b87zE7qtLPBit1%2BgwysF1L148K2kx06P8pd428hApN2cxO6XRXPlJWHva%2FzqtQgJ97Zkh59rjwFk6IvGRxhzONPN3WZbMli3ploEcdq4Aza8ZMx17%2BNP7LEnSrM157ZUWSjkbYOw8ZuzxECUMsfWSjIq9rf08KlSzrRDps9HhJ1sFQzxmkHNyftHthSL6FDwuGqwrHzr4rqK5Lm&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Date=20260517T061431Z&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Expires=300&X-Amz-Credential=ASIAQ3PHCVTYYLSJ5VTJ%2F20260517%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Signature=4e4c2b6130647b13b0c0674e1490fd7c7e1e251527701e5886b1f3f2862a92e1&hash=fd4a486594a2e0a00944c0cd56b3adc18f60feefd476548e5a0fba955ff54273&host=68042c943591013ac2b2430a89b270f6af2c76d8dfd086a07176afe7c76c2c61&pii=S2059775426000714&tid=spdf-50cd6774-da90-47ee-81b2-e2e23b147161&sid=292dc5fc7502c8467b6a52c140320ae22745gxrqb&type=client&tsoh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&rh=d3d3LnNjaWVuY2VkaXJlY3QuY29t&ua=1e0356050151580c500b01&rr=9fd07b7dfabcdb9f&cc=de
Summary: Soccer is associated with a substantial global injury burden, particularly involving lower-extremity and head injuries. Despite extensive research growth, a comprehensive long-term evaluation of trends, impact, and thematic evolution in soccer injury literature has been lacking. To systematically map the global landscape of soccer injury research from 1904 to 2025, focusing on publication trends, scientific impact, collaboration networks, and emerging research hotspots. This review emphasizes epidemiology, prevention, and risk factors influencing injury patterns across soccer populations. A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Scopus database, including 2,864 English-language journal articles and reviews published between 1904 and 2025. A structured search strategy using „soccer/football“ and „injury“ in titles was applied with predefined filters (articles/reviews, final publication stage, journals, English language). No manual screening was required. Bibliographic data including authors, institutions, countries, citations, and keywords were extracted and analyzed. Descriptive statistics (counts, percentages, citations per paper, H-index) were used. Network and co-occurrence analyses were performed using VOSviewer to identify collaboration patterns and thematic clusters. No formal risk-of-bias or inferential statistical analyses were performed due to the bibliometric nature of the study. Soccer injury research increased markedly from 1 publication in 1904 to 239 in 2025, with accelerated growth after 2006. The United States led in publication volume (28.9%), while Sweden, Norway, and Switzerland demonstrated the highest citation impact. A small group of institutions and authors contributed disproportionately to total output and citations. Leading journals included the American Journal of Sports Medicine and the British Journal of Sports Medicine. Key research hotspots included injury epidemiology and prevention, workload-related injury risk, and rehabilitation strategies. Knee injuries-particularly anterior cruciate ligament tears-along with hamstring, ankle, and concussion-related injuries dominated the literature. Temporal evolution showed a shift from descriptive epidemiology to integrated models incorporating biomechanics, workload monitoring, and technology-assisted injury prevention. Soccer injury research has evolved into a mature, high-impact, and collaborative field with clear thematic priorities centered on prevention, performance, and rehabilitation. Current evidence highlights the need for improved global collaboration, greater inclusion of underrepresented regions, and integration of advanced technologies such as wearable monitoring and artificial intelligence. Clinicians should prioritize evidence-based prevention strategies, particularly for high-risk injuries such as anterior cruciate ligament tears and hamstring strains, while tailoring interventions for specific populations including youth and female athletes. This study provides a strategic framework to guide future research and support clinical decision-making aimed at reducing injury burden and improving athlete outcomes.
9 Biceps femoris long head muscle architecture in professional male soccer players with a recent history of T-junction hamstring injury: a preliminary case-control study in an English Premier League club
Reference: Phys Ther Sport. 2026 May 13:80:101936. doi: 10.1016/j.ptsp.2026.101936. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Jack Hickey, Sean Carmody, Joe Ranson, Imtiaz Ahmad, Dan Weaving, Ryan White, Kevin Cronin
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Summary: The aim was to describe and compare biceps femoris long head (BFlh) muscle architecture between limbs with and without a recent history of T-junction hamstring injury. Participants were 30 professional male soccer players, including 5 cases with recent history of unilateral T-junction hamstring injury and 25 controls with no recent history of any hamstring injury. Participants had their BFlh fascicle length (FL), pennation angle (PA) and muscle thickness (MT) assessed bilaterally using wide-field-of-view ultrasound. Paired t-tests compared FL, PA and MT between previously injured (left) BFlh and contralateral uninjured (right) BFlh within cases. Un-paired t-tests compared left BFlh – right BFlh (asymmetry) in these measures between the case and control groups. Within cases, MT was significantly less in previously injured compared to contralateral uninjured BFlh (p < 0.01; mean paired difference [95%CI] = -0.48 cm [-0.59 cm to -0.36 cm]). Asymmetry in BFlh muscle thickness was significantly larger in the case group compared to control group (p < 0.01; between-group mean difference [95%CI] = -0.51 cm [-0.64 cm to -0.37 cm]). BFlh FL and PA did not differ significantly within cases, or between the case and control groups. Between-limb deficits in BFlh MT exist following T-junction hamstring injury.
10 Parental support for navigating early involvement in professional youth soccer academies – A cross-cultural understanding of children’s perceptions and expectations
Reference: J Sports Sci. 2026 May 13:1-16. doi: 10.1080/02640414.2026.2619327. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Valeria C Eckardt, Anton Bechtloff, Rawa Hassan, James Newman, Connie Wragg, Travis E Dorsch
Summary: Being involved in a professionalized sports pathway imposes unique demands and adaptations on youth athletes. A supportive environment can serve as an important social resource to facilitate this adjustment and future development. Therefore, the current study explored children’s experiences and preferences for parental support during early involvement in a professional youth soccer academy from a cross-cultural perspective. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 33 male soccer players (7 to 11 years) of professional clubs in Germany, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Data were first analyzed independently in each country via thematic analysis and then integrated in a culturally sensitive manner. Findings showed interpretations of parent-athlete relationships related to athletic transitions and showcase how these interactions were shaped within pathways of each country. Cross-cultural themes included children experiencing increased parental involvement, struggling to voice support preferences, and valuing emotional support. Interview data supported the notion of parents acting as a social resource with shared and unique interpretations through culture. Findings are theorized and discussed, drawing from developmental and motivational psychology literature. Practical recommendations for enhancing children’s early involvement in competitive soccer and expectations towards parental roles are provided with a focus on unique and interconnected learnings from cross-cultural comparison.
11 A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Carminatti’s Test Versions: Age- and Position-Specific Variations and Normative Reference Values in Male Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 May 13. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005531. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Lorival J Carminatti, Paulo V de Souza, Tiago Cetolin et al.
Summary: The primary aims were: (a) to compare the peak speed (PS T-CAR ) and peak heart rate (HR peak ) between the 2 Carminatti’s test (T-CAR) protocols, and (b) to compare T-CAR performance across age groups and playing positions. Part I used a randomized crossover design where 26 elite U-20 players completed the original T-CAR (starting at 9 km·h -1 ) and a modified, shorter version (starting at 12 km·h -1 ) to assess their interchangeability. Part II involved a cross-sectional analysis of a large data set ( n = 3,161) to establish normative values and assess T-CAR performance from Under-11 to professional levels. Statistical significance was set at 5%. Part I revealed no significant differences in PS T-CAR or HR peak between the 2 T-CAR versions, with a nearly perfect correlation for PS T-CAR ( r = 0.93) and a very large correlation for HR peak ( r = 0.89). The intraclass correlation coefficient results indicated excellent consistency, with values of 0.96 (95% CI = 0.92 to 0.98) and 0.94 (95% CI = 0.87 to 0.97) for PS T-CAR and HR peak , respectively. Part II demonstrated that T-CAR performance improved with age, with the most substantial gains occurring between the U-13 and U-15 age groups. Furthermore, position-specific differences emerged from the U-15 level onward, with wide defenders and midfielders generally outperforming central defenders. In conclusion, the modified T-CAR is a valid and time-efficient alternative to the original protocol for assessing intermittent endurance performance in highly trained soccer players. The normative data established in this study provide valuable benchmarks for practitioners to monitor long-term athletic development according to age and playing position.
12 Which Metrics Should I Monitor? Recommendations for Monitoring Acute Changes in Physical Preparedness With Countermovement Jump Force-Time Metrics in Youth Soccer Players In-Season
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 May 13. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005459. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Andrew J Badby, Nicholas J Ripley, John J McMahon, Peter D Mundy, Paul Comfort
Summary: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of utilizing countermovement jump (CMJ) testing using force plates to monitor acute changes in lower-body neuromuscular function (NMF) resulting from in-season competitive match play in soccer athletes. A within-subjects, observational, cross-sectional, repeated-measures study design consisting of 3 in-season testing occasions was prescribed across 3 separate competitive soccer matches: immediately prematch (∼15 minutes), immediately postmatch (∼15 minutes), and ∼48 hours postmatch (match day [MD] +2). Youth Alliance League (U18) soccer players ( N = 27; age 16.9 ± 0.7 years; height 181.4 ± 5.4 cm; mass 73.6 ± 9.1 kg) were recruited from 3 professional English Football League clubs. A repeated-measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant differences ( p < 0.05) across testing timepoints for all metrics except peak propulsive force. Mass-relative (including outcome) metrics cannot be utilized alone for monitoring acute changes in NMF, as significant reductions ( p < 0.001) in body weight were identified from immediately pre- to immediately postmatch and from immediately postmatch to MD+2. Significant reductions ( p < 0.05) from immediately pre- to immediately postmatch (which were maintained at MD+2) in mean propulsive force (minimal detectable change [MDC] = 7.43%), mean propulsive velocity (MDC = 4.93%), mean propulsive power (MDC = 9.38%), and jump momentum (MDC = 4.43%) indicate that these metrics are sensitive to changes in NMF. If utilizing outcome metrics (e.g., jump height; MDC = 8.55%) in addition to these, collectively, monitoring this combination of metrics (and body weight; MDC = 1.37%) will help to explain both if and why any changes in the outcome occur following soccer match play, thus providing valuable context when utilizing the CMJ as an indicator of acute changes in NMF.
13 The effect of plyometric training on physical performance in youth soccer players: A randomized controlled trial with maturation status as a covariate
Reference: PLoS One. 2026 May 13;21(5):e0349011. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0349011. eCollection 2026.
Authors: Roman Holík, Jakub Krejčí, Mark De Ste Croix, Michal Lehnert
Download link: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0349011
Summary: Plyometric jump training (PJT) is an effective means of developing speed, strength, and neuromuscular parameters in youth athletes. However, the effect of PJT on performance outcomes as a function of biological maturation remains unclear. Employing a 12-week training intervention, 37 youth male soccer players aged 10-18 years were stratified by biological maturity using the Mirwald equation (pre-PHV versus post-PHV) and subsequently randomized to a PJT group (pre-PHV: n = 10, post-PHV: n = 10) or a control group (pre-PHV: n = 7, post-PHV: n = 10). The PJT group trained twice per week, with sessions based on multidirectional and short ground contact time exercises. The following performance outcomes were assessed: 20-m sprint, L-run, broad jump, unilateral triple jump, countermovement jump, reactive strength index, and relative leg stiffness. A three-way ANOVA for repeated measures was used for statistical analysis. No significant time × intervention × maturity interaction was detected for any variable (all p ≥ 0.21). The 20-m sprint improved significantly in both PJT groups (p ≤ 0.002), whereas the control group improved only in pre-PHV (p = 0.038). Performance in the L-run improved across all groups (p ≤ 0.003), with no specific intervention effect. Broad jump improved only following PJT (p = 0.001). Unilateral triple jump showed significant gains in both PJT groups (p ≤ 0.032). Relative leg stiffness increased in both PJT groups (p ≤ 0.003), while it decreased significantly in the post-PHV control group (p = 0.013) and remained unchanged in the pre-PHV control group (p = 0.68). PJT appears to be a suitable and effective method for developing speed, explosive power and neuromuscular performance in youth male soccer players both before and after PHV. However, our results indicate that the role of PJT in influencing physical qualities during adolescence may be different.
14 Association between regular organized indoor soccer training and executive function performance in preadolescents: A cross-sectional study
Reference: Appl Neuropsychol Child. 2026 May 13:1-8. doi: 10.1080/21622965.2026.2668433. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Hamid Kaddouri, Salahddine Zerouali, Mohammed Bouayad, Abdelouahed El-Kamia, Abdelaziz El-Alaoui El-Amrani
Summary: Executive functions (EFs) are essential for goal-directed behavior and cognitive adaptation in dynamic environments. This study explores the relationship between regular organized indoor soccer training and potential better performance in EFs among preadolescents, a critical period for cognitive development. A sample of 60 preadolescents (30 soccer players and 30 nonathletes) were assessed using standardized tests: Backward Corsi for visuospatial working memory, New Card Sorting Test (NCST) for cognitive flexibility, Forward and Backward Digit Span for working memory, and Stroop Test for inhibitory control. Statistical analyses involved non-parametric tests with Holm-Bonferroni correction to compare EF performance between groups. Results indicated that soccer players performed significantly better in visuospatial working memory (Backward Corsi: p = 0.042) and reactive cognitive flexibility (NCST categories completed and non-perseverative errors: p < 0.005; perseverative errors: p = .048) compared to controls, with no significant difference in verbal working memory (Forward Digit Span: p = .100) or inhibitory control (Stroop: p = .152). These findings suggest that regular soccer training is associated with enhanced performance in visuospatial working memory and reactive cognitive flexibility in preadolescents, supporting the role of team sports in cognitive development. However, the cross-sectional design, modest sample size (power ∼.48), and lack of assessor blinding limit causal inferences and generalizability. Future longitudinal studies with larger, diverse samples are needed to establish causality and inform targeted sports programs.
15 Effects of Combined Caffeine and Rhodiola rosea Supplementation on Repeated Aerial Duel Performance and Neck Neuromuscular Function in Soccer Players
Reference: Nutrients. 2026 Apr 23;18(9):1339. doi: 10.3390/nu18091339.
Authors: Yue Dou, Ziyi Feng, Hengquan Xu et al.
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/18/9/1339
Summary: Soccer aerial duels require rapid take-off, repeated-performance maintenance, and effective head-neck control under physically demanding conditions. This study examined the effects of caffeine (CAF), Rhodiola rosea (RHO), and their combination on repeated aerial duel performance and neck neuromuscular function in male collegiate soccer players. Ninety-six players were randomly assigned, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, to placebo control (CTR), RHO, CAF, or RHO + CAF groups (n = 24 each) for 4 weeks. CAF was acutely administered at 3 mg·kg-1 before testing, whereas RHO was chronically supplemented at 2.4 g·day-1. Outcome measures included countermovement jump height, early take-off impulse, repeated heading contact height, ball exit velocity, heading duel success rate, neck maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE). Significant group × time or group × repetition effects were observed for CMJ height (p = 0.0034), early take-off impulse (p = 0.0007), and post-intervention repeated heading contact height (p < 0.0001), with additional significant effects across heading-specific, neck strength, duel-success, and perceived-load outcomes. CAF was mainly associated with improved take-off-related explosive performance and duel success, whereas RHO was mainly associated with lower perceived exertion and better maintenance of heading contact height during the later repeated trials. Combined RHO + CAF supplementation produced the broadest pattern of benefits across explosive output, ball-contact performance, duel success, and multidirectional neck strength. These findings suggest that, in male collegiate soccer players, CAF and RHO may contribute differently to repeated aerial duel-related performance, and their combination may offer broader sport-specific benefits under repeated high-intensity demands.
16 A Systematic Review of Peer-Reviewed Studies on Preventing Sport-Related Concussion (SRC) in Adult Football (Soccer): Mapping Sparce Evidence of Rule Changes and Head-Neck Training
Reference: Healthcare (Basel). 2026 Apr 29;14(9):1200. doi: 10.3390/healthcare14091200.
Authors: Sonya Moore, Teale Vella, Jessica Norton et al.
Download link: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/14/9/1200
Summary: Acute health impacts and longer-term sequelae of sport-related concussion (SRC) are recognized concerns in football (soccer), warranting investigation of interventions to reduce the incidence. The purpose of this study was to identify, synthesize and evaluate interventions used in preventing sport-related concussion (SRC) in adult soccer players. Five databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, PsycINFO) were searched on 6 September 2024 and updated on 17 December 2025 for concussion prevention intervention studies involving adult footballers. Study quality was assessed with the Modified Downs and Black Checklist. A narrative synthesis of all included studies followed Synthesis Without Meta-Analysis (SWiM) guidelines. From 3463 records, five studies met inclusion criteria: three reported rule changes and two reported head-neck training interventions. The low volume of studies discovered were non-randomized and rated fair or poor on quality assessment. Whilst these interventions were grounded in sound and well-reasoned mechanisms to mitigate SRC risks, none reported statistically significant directional effects. This, combined with high heterogeneity, prevented data pooling and no firm conclusions could be drawn about the effectiveness of any intervention. Sparce, preliminary, heterogeneous evidence represents research to reduce SRC in adult soccer players, and this is limited to investigating rule changes and head-neck training and interventions. A larger volume of primary research is needed to determine meaningful practice recommendations of these and other conceivable interventions.
17 Brain Endurance Training Modulates Structure-Function Coupling and Enhances Soccer-Specific Performance: A Multimodal MRI Study
Reference: Scand J Med Sci Sports. 2026 May;36(5):e70301. doi: 10.1111/sms.70301.
Authors: Jinyu Liu, Ting Zhou, Jie Che, Yuanqiang Zhu, Qin Liu
Summary: This study investigated whether a six-week brain endurance training (BET) intervention could enhance soccer-specific performance and induce neural adaptations in structure-function coupling (SC-FC coupling) in sub-elite male soccer players. Seventy athletes competing in the regional first division and engaged in structured training 5-6 times per week were randomly assigned to a BET group (n = 35) or a control group (n = 35). Both groups continued regular field training, while the BET group additionally completed 24 cognitive sessions combining Stroop and dual n-back tasks. Resting-state fMRI and diffusion-weighted imaging were acquired before and after the intervention to assess SC-FC coupling across 246 brain regions using a multivariate prediction framework. Soccer performance tests included passing, shooting, agility, sprint, and aerobic capacity assessments. Compared with controls, BET participants demonstrated significant group × time interactions in passing accuracy, shooting precision, reactive agility, and sprint performance (all p < 0.05, η2 p = 0.06-0.07). Specifically, LSPT completion time improved by 3.7%, LSST precision increased by 11.2%, and directional sprint times decreased by 5.1% following BET, with no change in the control group. Maximum running speed during the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test increased by 2.9% (p = 0.043, η2 p = 0.07), whereas heart rate and blood lactate remained stable. MRI analyses revealed increased SC-FC coupling within executive and motor-related regions (e.g., DLPFC, IPL, caudate, Crus I) and decreased coupling within default mode and association areas (e.g., angular gyrus, pSTG; all p < 0.05, FDR-corrected). These coupling changes were significantly correlated with behavioral improvements, indicating that BET enhanced the neural efficiency of executive-motor networks. Overall, BET drives targeted neuroplasticity by strengthening the alignment between structural and functional brain systems that support attention, motor control, and fatigue regulation, translating into measurable gains in soccer-specific performance.
18 Concussions in German professional football (soccer) – an epidemiological and etiological analysis over nine consecutive seasons
Reference: J Sci Med Sport. 2026 Apr 24:S1440-2440(26)00153-2. doi: 10.1016/j.jsams.2026.04.014. Online ahead of print.
Authors: H Bloch, C Klein, C Reinsberger
Summary: Data of the German Statutory Accident Insurance (VBG) was used, to analyze the occurrence, time loss, the injury mechanism and situational patterns of concussions in German male professional football. All concussions during the observation period registered by clubs or physicians with the German statutory accidental insurance for professional athletes (VBG) as part of mandatory occupational accident reporting were included for epidemiological analyses. All match concussions leading to ≥7 days of time loss and/or ≥1000€ healthcare costs were included for a standardized video analysis of injury mechanism and situational patterns. Mean concussion prevalence was 2.9% (95% CI 1.8 to 4.0) resulting in 0.77 concussions (95% CI 0.4 to 1.06) per season for a men’s professional football team. The match incidence was 0.84 concussions per 1000 h of match exposure (95% CI 0.72 to 0.96). The odds for a concussion were significantly higher in match-play compared with training (OR 2.82, 95% CI 2.16 to 3.69, p < 0.001). Goalkeepers and defenders were significantly more likely to sustain a concussion compared with midfielders and strikers (p < 0.001). 49.4% of the players returned to play in less than six days without significant differences between BL1 (48.1%, 51/106) and BL2 (50.4%, 63/125). There was no significant difference in mean time loss after concussion between BL1 (7.7 ± 10.6) compared to BL2 (6.9 ± 9.2, p = 0.351). Only 37.5% of the concussions could be identified and validated with public media-based data. Most concussions occurred in head-to-head or hip-to-head collisions and were not judged as foul play by the opponent in 83% of cases. The present study delivers a comprehensive high-quality data set over nine consecutive seasons on concussions in professional German soccer which reveals that the implementation of appropriate RTP strategies seems to be lacking.
19 Interrelationships Among Linear Sprinting, Curve Sprinting, Change-of-Direction Ability, and Power Output in Elite Female Soccer Players
Reference: J Strength Cond Res. 2026 May 7. doi: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000005398. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Irineu Loturco, Michael R McGuigan, Bernardo Requena et al.
Summary: This study investigated the relationships among linear sprinting speed, curve sprinting (CS), change-of-direction (COD) ability, and lower-limb power output in elite female soccer players. Fifty-one athletes (21.4 ± 6.4 years; 1.66 ± 0.07 m; 51.5 ± 13.5 kg) competing in the Brazilian first division performed squat jump and countermovement jump, linear sprints (10- and 20-m sprints), a zigzag COD test, a CS test (in both directions: right and left, with the fastest side named the „good side“ and the slowest side named the „weak side“), and jump squats (JS) with loads corresponding to 40 and 60% of their body mass. Sprint momentum (SM) and COD deficit were calculated. Correlation analyses revealed moderate-to-very-large significant relationships between jump height, sprint speed, CS, and COD performance ( r -values ranging from 0.37 to 0.93). Jump squat power was significantly associated with linear sprinting, COD, and CS speed ( r -values ranging from 0.39 to 0.71). In addition, no association was found between SM and COD deficit. These results suggest that linear sprint speed, rather than momentum, is a more decisive factor in COD efficiency among elite female soccer players. Coaches should consider individualized training strategies focused on improving deceleration and reacceleration capacities, especially for faster athletes in linear sprints. Overall, the integrated assessment of linear sprints, CS, and COD speed, alongside JS power, provides a comprehensive perspective on speed-power profiles in elite female soccer and may help guide more effective training prescriptions and performance monitoring in this specific population.
20 Achilles tendon rupture does not significantly reduce career longevity in professional soccer players compared with matched controls
Reference: Knee Surg Sports Traumatol Arthrosc. 2026 May 10. doi: 10.1002/ksa.70420. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Haneef Abdullah Khan, Amina Khan, Ashley Rosenberg, Adil Ather
Summary: The aim was to compare the career longevity of professional soccer players after achilles tendon rupture (ATR) with that of an uninjured matched control cohort. A retrospective analysis of ATR cases in professional male athletes from the English Premier League and English Championship was performed. Each athlete with ATR was matched to three control athletes who had not sustained ATR. The analysis included all identified ATR cases, including those who failed to return to professional competition. Statistics were compiled for each year until retirement or study end. A total of 36 players with ATR were matched to 108 controls. The return-to-professional play rate following ATR was 91.7%. The mean career length after ATR was 4.9 ± 3.3 years, while that of the matched control athletes was 3.4 ± 3.5 years (p = 0.045). After ATR, an athlete had a 33% lower risk of retirement compared with the matched control athlete, which approached statistical significance (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.67; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.45-1.00; p = 0.051). Significant subsequent non-ATR injuries were documented in 24.1% of control athletes during the follow-up period. At 5 years after ATR, 58.3% of athletes had retired from professional soccer, while 70.4% of the matched cohort were retired (p = 0.259). By 10 years, 83.3% of the ATR cohort had retired compared with 91.7% of the matched cohort (p = 0.270). Within the ATR cohort, re-rupture occurred in seven players (19.4%) but did not significantly affect career length (HR = 0.80; p = 0.622). Age at ATR remained the strongest predictor of retirement (HR = 1.27 per year; p < 0.001). Professional male soccer players who sustained ATR demonstrated comparable career longevity to a matched player cohort, with a trend toward longer survival in those who successfully return to play. ATR did not significantly shorten professional careers in this elite population. This likely reflects the efficacy of modern rehabilitation, a potential selection effect, and the high non-ATR injury burden observed in the control group.
21 Pneumomediastinum due to excessive cheering during a football match
Reference: Turk J Emerg Med. 2026 Apr 3;26(2):153-155. doi: 10.4103/tjem.tjem_250_25. eCollection 2026 Apr-Jun.
Authors: Abdullah Önür, Emre Sanci
Summary: A 19-year-old female presented to the emergency department with the sudden onset of chest pain. The patient had a complaint after cheering for her team during a football match. Initial blood workup and imaging were normal. However, before discharge, a widespread crepitation in the neck was detected during re-examination. Further imaging revealed a pneumomediastinum, and the patient was admitted to the hospital. This case emphasizes the importance of follow-up and re-examination before discharging the patients.
22 Return-to-play criteria for hamstring injuries in elite European football: a survey of current practice
Reference: Res Sports Med. 2026 May 14:1-15. doi: 10.1080/15438627.2026.2673038. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Paolo Perna, Fearghal Kerin, Lasse Lempainen, Marco Beato
Summary: The study aimed to describe which criteria are used by medical and performance practitioners in elite European football to progress players through different stages of rehabilitation following a hamstring strain injury. Practitioners from European football clubs from five first-division leagues (Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A) were invited to participate in an online survey developed in English using the online software QuestionPro. The survey was divided into two parts: part one (six questions) aimed to analyse demographic and job roles; part two (six questions) presented two clinical cases. In total, 25 surveys were completed. The participants were asked to rate on a Likert scale from „Not important“ to „Very important“ the following criteria for the Return-to-high-speed-running, Return-to-training and Return-to-performance phases: Time since injury, Absence of pain, Hamstring flexibility, Askling H-Test, Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (injury fully healed), Psychological readiness, Isometric strength, Eccentric strength (Nordics test), Isokinetic test, Single leg bridge (maximal number of repetitions), Jump tests, Completion of progressive on-field exposure (internal and external training load), Ability to run at maximal speed, Repeated sprint ability test, Global Position System (GPS) metrics equivalent to match requirements. We found that practitioners used a variety of criteria across the different stages. This heterogeneity highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to return-to-play (RTP) decision-making across all the phases, especially when rehabilitating an intramuscular hamstring tendon injury. Overall, the practitioners felt the need for a greater number and higher specificity of tests during the rehabilitation progression for the intramuscular tendon than the myotendinous junction injury.
23 The development and validation of a football-specific nutrition knowledge questionnaire for use within adolescent footballers
Reference: J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2026 Dec 31;23(1):2671429. doi: 10.1080/15502783.2026.2671429. Epub 2026 May 14.
Authors: Dean K Morgan, Gina L Trakman, Ian D Boardley, Tom Page, Barry Drust, Thomas Brownlee
Summary: Elite adolescent footballers experience periods of rapid growth and maturation alongside their intense training programs. Therefore, their nutritional habits should reflect this and be tailored to support healthy growth and recovery [1]. Research has shown that U12/13 and U15 footballers within Category One Academy require approximately 2859 ± 265 kcal.d (range 2275-3903 kcal.d) and 3029 ± 262 kcal.d (range 2738-3726 kcal.d), respectively, to fuel their training programs [2]. Food choices can be influenced by a range of physiological, psychological, and social factors, with nutrition knowledge being recognized as an important determinant of nutritional adherence among elite adolescent footballers. However, an ongoing limitation regarding assessing nutrition knowledge is the availability of high-quality, valid procedures, as well as a lack of specificity for certain sports and cohorts. Therefore, the aim of this study was to develop and validate a nutrition knowledge tool, which is based on the most recent football/youth nutrition guidelines, for use with English football academies. Recruitment of participants involved three different cohorts: (1) an expert panel for the initial item development of the questionnaire via modifying a previously validated tool, the A-NSKQ, (2) an adolescent football player cohort in which much of the analysis would be conducted, and (3) a university student cohort to provide a construct validity comparison. A robust methodology was followed, incorporating content and face validity and item analysis with techniques from classical test theory (CTT). Content validity involved recruiting experts from the industry (nutrition/sport science/academia) to review the initial items and provide objective feedback via a content validity index (CVI) score. Once this was complete, a sample of the adolescent cohort the tool was intended for was recruited to complete the questionnaire and provide live feedback on readability (face validity). Finally, both the full adolescent cohorts completed the questionnaire (n = 66), alongside a cohort of university-educated students (n = 109), to prove the construct validity of the tool. The resulting tool has 32 items, split across two subsections: general nutrition knowledge (GNK) and sport nutrition knowledge (SNK), and takes around eight minutes to complete. Content and face validity were confirmed by field experts and a sample of participants from whom the tool was intended, respectively. Modifications to the items were made due to the findings of the difficulty index, distractor utility and discrimination index. Evidence of construct validity was examined for the tool by comparing the results from nutrition-educated participants (63 ± 10%) vs non-nutrition-educated participants (52 ± 11%) (p = < 0.001). The test-retest reliability of the tool was confirmed, with a strong correlation (r = 0.77, p = < 0.001) between the individual scores of the adolescent footballers on the two attempts of the test, approximately three weeks apart. The final version of the tool presents a valid and reliable tool, specific to the sport of football, that practitioners can use to measure the effectiveness of nutrition curriculums within English football academies.
24 Evolution of spatial structure, passing network patterns, and gameplay intensity in elite women’s and men’s football (2020-2025)
Reference: Sci Rep. 2026 May 14. doi: 10.1038/s41598-026-52701-6. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Rebecca Carstens, Raj Deshpande, Pau Esteve et al.
Download link: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-026-52701-6_reference.pdf
Summary: Elite football is believed to have evolved in recent years, yet systematic evidence for the pace and form of that change remains sparse. Drawing on event-level records for 13,018 matches across ten top-tier men’s and women’s leagues in England, Spain, Germany, Italy, and the United States (2020-2025), we quantify match dynamics through two complementary lenses: conventional performance statistics and pitch-passing networks that track ball movement across spatial regions of the field. Between 2020 and 2025, average passing volume, pass accuracy, and the proportion of passes made under pressure all increased, with the largest year-on-year changes occurring in women’s competitions. Network measures reveal that normalized outreach decreased, indicating teams increasingly concentrate ball circulation into shorter-range passing connections rather than wide spatial distribution. These trends are consistent across countries and tiers, yet persistent national differences indicate that stylistic diversity remains. Notably, women’s competitions exhibit stronger rates of change across most metrics, consistent with an accelerating professionalization, while the systematic decline in network outreach across all competitions is consistent with a sport-wide shift toward shorter, more concentrated passing structures.
25 Preventing sudden cardiac death among football athletes in Cameroon: 22-year follow-up to the tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foé – supported by the BJSM Global Research Grant Programme
Reference: Br J Sports Med. 2026 May 14:bjsports-2025-110506. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2025-110506. Online ahead of print.
Authors: Maurice Douryang, Mats Borjesson, Veronique Ange Ngo Bilong, Jonathan A Drezner
Download link: https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/bjsports/early/2026/05/14/bjsports-2025-110506.full.pdf
Summary: The tragic death of Marc-Vivien Foé in 2003 triggered increased efforts to prevent sudden cardiac death (SCD) in football around the world. Our objective was to determine the current cardiovascular (CV) screening strategies and extent of emergency response planning in football clubs across the country of Cameroon. In this cross-sectional study, we surveyed the technical and medical staff of football clubs in the Cameroon domestic professional and amateur leagues and national teams from 1 June to 30 August 2024. Questionnaires were completed in person and focused on CV screening practices and emergency preparedness for sudden cardiac arrest (SCA), including access to automated external defibrillators (AEDs). In total, 211 participants representing 54 different football clubs and six national teams completed the questionnaire. Out of the reported cardiac events, 74.9% resulted in death, 55.2% occurred during a match, 23.2% during training and 1.9% at home. Three-quarters (76.1%) of participants reported they conduct CV screening only during the precompetition medical assessment; however, only 45.5% provide screening, which includes an ECG. Moreover, only 37% of participants were trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and 22.7% in AED use. An AED was rarely available during matches (9.0%) or training (7.6%). In fact, no responding club from the domestic or professional leagues in Cameroon reported having an AED; only the national teams reported AED availability. Urgent interventions are needed to improve the prevention of SCD across Cameroon football. Better CV screening strategies that include ECGs, implementing CPR training and facilitating access to AEDs are priorities.