It's important for soccer players to take precautions and engage in proper warm-up exercises, wear appropriate protective gear, and follow guidelines for safe play to reduce the risk of these injuries. If an injury occurs, it's advisable to seek medical attention for proper evaluation and treatment.

For people who play soccer and are interested in preventing or reducing the risk of ACL injuries from happening, there are several programs that have been developed to reduce this risk.  

For example, the PEP program and the FIFA 11 program are examples.  They're comprehensive, exercise-based approaches to reducing the risk and they usually involve a dynamic warm up, leg stretching, and strengthening specific exercises, balance and proprioception training, stand – landing and stopping techniques as well as sport specific agility training. 

Usually, these exercise programs last about 15 to 20 minutes and should be completed about three or four times per week.  

The most important thing for these exercise programs is that the coaches and the trainers are emphasizing proper technique during all exercises and this is the key to minimizing ACL injuries from happening on the field.  

Practitioners: Physiotherapist

The ACL – ACL injuries tend to happen when the foot is in the planted position, the foot is pronated, the knee is knocked in or the lower leg is kind of rotated inwards – that really puts the individual at risk for tearing the ACL.  

Also, if the knee – during functional motions if the knee is in a more extended position versus bent, so during training sessions it’s really important that the individual themselves and the coaches are promoting proper body mechanics and proper techniques.  

Soccer players who are concerned about ankle sprains can definitely seek advice from various professionals to learn more about the causes and prevention of such injuries. Here are some individuals they can consult:

1. Doctor: A primary care physician or a sports medicine specialist can provide a comprehensive understanding of the anatomy and mechanics of the ankle, as well as common causes and risk factors for sprains. They can also offer guidance on injury management, rehabilitation, and potential preventive measures.

2. Physiotherapist: A physiotherapist specializes in assessing and treating musculoskeletal injuries. They can evaluate an individual's movement patterns, muscle strength, and flexibility to identify any imbalances or weaknesses that may contribute to ankle sprains. They can also provide specific exercises and rehabilitation programs to improve ankle stability and prevent future injuries.

3. Coach: Soccer coaches are knowledgeable about the sport's physical demands and can offer guidance on proper warm-up exercises, stretching routines, and conditioning drills that can enhance ankle strength and stability. They may also provide techniques and strategies for safe pivoting, changing direction, and reducing the risk of ankle sprains during gameplay.

By consulting these professionals, soccer players can gain valuable insights into how soccer-specific conditions and factors like cleat stability, field surfaces, and quick changes in direction contribute to ankle sprains. They can also receive personalized advice on injury prevention, rehabilitation protocols, and the importance of maintaining overall physical fitness to minimize the risk of ankle sprains and other soccer-related injuries.

Local Practitioners: Physiotherapist

For people who play soccer and are interested in preventing or reducing the risk of ACL injuries from happening, there are several programs that have been developed to reduce this risk.  

For example, the PEP program and the FIFA 11 program are examples.  They're comprehensive, exercise-based approaches to reducing the risk and they usually involve a dynamic warm up, leg stretching, and strengthening specific exercises, balance and proprioception training, stand – landing and stopping techniques as well as sport specific agility training. 

Usually, these exercise programs last about 15 to 20 minutes and should be completed about three or four times per week.  

The most important thing for these exercise programs is that the coaches and the trainers are emphasizing proper technique during all exercises and this is the key to minimizing ACL injuries from happening on the field.  

A good place to start for getting involved in an ACL prevention program is speaking to a physiotherapist. They can set you on the right path with appropriate exercises to do – directed specifically towards you and your needs as well. Also, ensuring that your coach or trainer has experience in dealing with ACL prevention programs and they are well versed in that field. Often seeing a local family physician or a physiotherapist in conjunction with a registered dietitian and athletic therapist is a great option to take control of this condition. Smart Food Now and exercise is also optominal for overall health.

1. Sprained Ankle: A sprained ankle is indeed a common injury in soccer. It occurs when the ankle twists unnaturally, often due to a sudden stop or change of direction. According to the study you mentioned, it accounts for 17% of all injuries in both games and practices.

2. Muscle-Tendon Injuries to the Upper Leg: Injuries to the quadriceps and hamstring muscles are common in soccer. These injuries can range from strains to more severe tears and can result from activities like sprinting, kicking, or sudden movements.

3. Muscle-Tendon Injuries to the Hip or Pelvis: The complex anatomy of the hip and pelvis can make these areas prone to soft tissue injuries in soccer players. Sports hernia or athletic pubalgia is a term used to describe some of these injuries, which can cause pain and discomfort in the lower abdomen and groin region.

4. Knee Injuries: Soccer players are susceptible to various knee injuries, including ligament tears (such as the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL), meniscus tears, and patellar tendinitis. These injuries can occur due to sudden changes in direction, direct impact, or overuse.

5. Concussion: Concussions can occur in soccer due to player-on-player contact or collisions with the ball, goalposts, or other objects. It's worth noting that the study you mentioned states that concussions were 14 times more likely to occur during a game compared to practice.