Injury incidence and severity among male sub-elite football players: A cross-sectional analysis

Abstract

Football, a physically demanding sport, exposes players to significant injury risks, particularly at the sub-elite level where resources for injury prevention and management are limited. This study aimed to compare the incidence, severity, and mechanisms of injuries sustained during matches and training sessions among male sub-elite football players. A quantitative, cross-sectional design was employed, involving 223 players (mean age: 21.7±3.2 years) conveniently selected from 4 South African universities. Data were collected via a validated self-report questionnaire, and statistically analysed. Injury incidence was significantly higher during matches (8.1 injuries per 1000 hours) compared to training (1.3 injuries per 1000 hours; p < 0.001). Defensive actions accounted for 60.61% (p = 0.002) of match injuries, while training injuries were primarily associated with running and jumping activities (40%; p = 0.002). Soft tissue injuries were the most prevalent in both settings (matches: 57.6%; training: 72.5%), but no significant differences in injury type distributions were observed (p = 0.328). Distributions of injury severity also yielded non-significant differences between matches and training, although severe injuries were slightly more frequent in competitions. Tailored injury prevention strategies are necessary, focusing on reducing high-risk defensive actions in matches and managing overuse injuries in training. Also expedient is the need to develop context-specific approaches to enhance player safety and performance in sub-elite football training and competition.