FA and WSL launch major study into women's football ACL injuries

The Football Association together with WSL Football have announced a new PhD‑level research project aimed at understanding anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in the women's game. The study is funded by the FA, will be carried out with Imperial College London and sports knee surgeon Simon Ball, and is being led by researcher Hanna Lehtovirta. It will involve clubs from both the Women's Super League and WSL2.

ACL damage is one of the most serious problems facing female players, often sidelining them for several months, and research shows women are two to six times more likely to suffer it than men. Players such as Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, Leah Williamson and Sam Kerr have all been affected in recent seasons. While earlier work has identified anatomical, hormonal, biomechanical and environmental factors, researchers say little is known about how these interact in daily elite football.

The programme intends to deliver a comprehensive review by merging scientific data with the experiences of players and staff. Every WSL and WSL2 club will be asked to nominate athletes, as well as medical, performance and coaching personnel, to participate. The investigation will be split into two stages: the first will collect survey information on injury history, training load, match exposure and hormonal, nutritional and psychological aspects, comparing those who have sustained an ACL tear since the 2018‑19 season with those who have not; the second will conduct interviews to gauge perceptions of ACL injuries and current prevention methods.

Researchers hope the outcomes will inform future strategies for injury prevention, rehabilitation and player welfare. In April 2025 FIFA also announced funding for research into whether menstrual‑cycle hormonal fluctuations may be contributing to the rise in ACL injuries in women's football.