New report slams sports’ response to women’s ACL injuries

The sports sector's response to the high number of female footballers suffering anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries has been “disjointed and slow”, the UK Parliament's Women and Equalities Committee said in a report published on Tuesday.

England duo Beth Mead and Leah Williamson, Dutch striker Vivianne Miedema and Canadian international Janine Beckie were among an elite group of players who missed the 2023 Women's World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament injuries .

– Stream on ESPN+: LaLiga, Bundesliga, more (US)

In its report titled “Health Barriers for Girls and Women in Sport,” the commission highlighted the lack of football boots designed specifically for women.

“In addition to the potential link to ACL injuries, there is evidence that soccer shoes cause greater problems for many female players,” he added.

The sector needs to do better to increase the availability of women-specific equipment and kits, he adds.

“The sports science sector’s response to the ACL problem has been disparate and slow,” the report states.

“We are confident that a health issue of a similar scale affecting elite male footballers would have received a quicker, more thorough and better coordinated response.”

The committee also asked the Committee on Digital, Culture, Media and Sport to create a working group to develop a long-term strategy to tackle this problem.

A report published by the European Football Club Association in 2023 reveals that up to 82% of European female players experience discomfort when wearing boots.

Sportswear brands have said they are investing in equipment specifically aimed at women, but say retailers may be reluctant to stock them due to a lack of awareness of the growing business opportunities.