First published September 2016
Updated August 2026
Soccer is one of the most popular sports for kids in the United States. It helps children stay active, build confidence, make friends and learn teamwork. Like any sport, though, soccer comes with some risk of injury.
Most soccer injures are minor, such as cuts, bruises, sprains or strains. More serious injuries, including concussions and knee injuries like ACL tears, happen less often but can keep young athletes out of the game for weeks or even months.
The good news is that many soccer injuries can be prevented. A few simple steps before and during the season can help keep your child healthy and enjoying the game.
Pre-Season
Help your child get ready.
Children who stay active year-round are often better prepared when the season starts. Building strength, balance and flexibility can help lower injury risk. Strong hip and leg muscles may also help protect the knees, including the ACL.
Ask your child’s coach if the team uses warm-up programs that include balance, jumping and agility exercise, as these reduce injuries.
Check your child’s equipment.
Children grow quickly, so last year’s equipment may not fit.
Shin guards should cover most of the front of the lower leg, from a few inches below the knee to just above the ankle. They should stay in place while your child runs, kicks and changes direction. Get a new pair if they are too small, move around during play, or no longer cover enough of the shin.
Soccer cleats should fit snugly without pinching the toes or rubbing the heel and provide good traction without making it difficult to turn or pivot. Replace them if your child has blisters, sore feet, or complains that their feet hurt after playing. Make sure the shoe type matches the surface your child will be playing on.
A mouthguard can help protect your child’s teeth, lips, and tongue. Choose one that fits comfortably and allows your child to breathe and talk without difficulty. Replace it if it becomes worn, damaged, or no longer fits well.
Before Every Practice and Game
Warm up.
A warm-up should take about 10-15 minutes. Start with light jogging and include movements that get the body ready for soccer, like high knees, lunges, side shuffles, and gentle changes of direction.
Warm muscles and joints are less likely to be injured than muscles that haven’t had time to loosen up.
Hydrate.
Encourage your child to drink water before practice starts, during breaks, and after practices and games, especially on hot or humid days.
Watch for signs that your child may be getting too hot, such as dizziness, unusual tiredness, muscle cramps or nausea. If your child has these symptoms, tell them to stop playing and let the coach know right away. Move them to a cool place and put a cool cloth around their neck.
Throughout the Season
Encourage safe play.
Many injuries happen during player-to-player contact. Remind your child to avoid pushing, tripping or using their elbows during play. Coaches, referees and players all play an important role in creating a safe and respectful environment. Following the rules helps reduce injuries and teaches good sportsmanship.
Know your league’s heading rules.
Many youth soccer leagues have age-based rules about heading the ball to help reduce the risk of head injuries, like waiting until players are 10-12 years of age before they start. As children get older, it is important for them to have stronger core and neck muscles and that they learn proper technique from a qualified coach instead of practicing on their own.
Encourage your child to speak up.
Young athletes sometimes hide pain because they don’t want to miss playing time or let down their teammates. Let your child know it’s always okay to tell a coach or parent if something hurts or doesn’t feel right. Treating an injury early can help prevent it from becoming more serious and missing the whole season, rather than just one game.
Know the Signs of a Concussion
Even when everyone does everything right, injuries can still happen. One injury every parent and player should know about is concussion, a type of brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body. A child doesn’t have to lose consciousness to have a concussion, and the signs aren’t always obvious.
Most children will finish the soccer season with great memories and new friendships. If an injury does happen, the sports medicine experts at Nationwide Children’s Hospital are here to help your child recover safely and get back to doing what they love.
Tracy Mehan is the manager of translational research for the Center for Injury Research and Policy at the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
All Topics
Browse by Author
About this Blog
Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center
700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.
