The population burden of amateur football (soccer) injuries in New South Wales, Australia

Abstract

Introduction

Football (soccer) is the most popular sport worldwide and has multiple physical,

psychological and social benefits. However, amateur football players, who

account for 99% of all players worldwide, are at a higher risk of injury than

professional players.

The aims of this thesis were to:

(i) Determine the types, location, diagnosis, frequency and incidence (per 1000

claims and per 1000 hours) of football injuries observed as per the football

injury consensus statement in amateur football in Australia.

(ii) Assess the cost burden of amateur football injuries in Australia.

(iii) Investigate the long-term cost burden of ACL injuries.

(iv) Describe the cost savings and return on investment of preventing ACL

injuries using economic modelling.

(v) Investigate the injury prevention behaviours and usage of injury prevention

exercise programs in amateur stakeholders (players, coaches, noncoaching staff and medical personnel).

Methods

Quantitative descriptive epidemiological data was retrospectively analysed through a de-identified insurance database and coded using the Orchard Sports Injury Classification System for 4149 amateur football injuries(2018-2020). Cost data and modelling was conducted using retrospective data and Markov modelling.

Results

Between 2018 and 2020, there were 4149 injury insurance claims, with ACL

ruptures accounting for 19% of all injuries. The knee (43.4%), ankle (16.1%), lower

leg (6.5%), shoulder (6.1%) and head (5.4%) were the most common locations

injured. The estimated annual cost for footballers who have an ACL reconstruction is

$69 623 211 with a mean cost of $34 079. A nationwide ACL injury prevention program can save $A70,835,674 in future medical and societal costs. For every $A1 spent on implementing the program,$A6.80 was returned.

Conclusion

This thesis ‘draws a line in the sand’ allowing future researchers to compare the incidence of amateur football injuries and track the progress of injury prevention strategies.