Let's be clear, professional football is a high-risk occupation, with research showing injury rates as high as 0.40 per player per season at the academy level.
Over the past 15 years, social scientists (including myself) have increasingly examined pain and injury in professional sport, particularly football in the UK.
Let's be clear, professional football is a high-risk occupation, with research showing injury rates as high as 0.40 per player per season at the academy level.
Behind every professional prospect is a young person learning about themselves, the sport, and, of course, the world. Education and development should be built on support and growth, not fear and punishment. It is up to us to take control of that.
The takeaway is simple but powerful: Don’t let geography limit your football dreams. Whether you’re a player or a parent guiding one, broaden your horizons. Think globally, act boldly, and see football for what it truly is—a game that offers opportunities far beyond your backyard.
For young players who have just been offered professional contracts, the next phase is likely to be entering under-21 squads. But there is a hidden danger to this, and you need to be aware of it.
