Impact of the ‘FUNBALL’ Programme on Severe Injuries Among Young Male Football Players: A Secondary Analysis from a Cluster-Randomised Controlled Trial

Abstract

Background: ‘FUNBALL’ is a new multi-component exercise-based injury prevention programme designed specifically for youth football players. Its efficacy in reducing the overall number of injuries has been previously reported. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of the ‘FUNBALL’ programme in reducing the incidence of severe injuries (absence from training/match ≥ 28 days) in young male football players. Methods: 55 football teams from Kosovo, 21 in the Under-15, 22 in the Under-17, and 12 in the Under-19 age groups, were cluster-randomly assigned to the intervention or the control group. The intervention group performed the ‘FUNBALL’ programme after their usual warm-up at least twice per week. The control group followed their usual training routine. Teams were followed for one football season (August 2021–May 2022). The outcome for the present analysis is severe injuries. Results: The overall incidence rate (IR) was 0.31/1000 football hours in the intervention group and 0.62/1000 football hours in the control group. Players in the age group of the Under-19s sustained the highest number of severe injuries (IR 0.77/1000 football hours). The overall number of severe injuries was significantly reduced by 49% (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 0.51; 95% CI 0.28–0.91; P = 0.02), with a 63% reduction in those that occurred during training (IRR 0.37; 95% CI 0.15–0.87; P = 0.02). When analyzed by age group, only the Under-17s showed a significant reduction of 76% (IRR 0.24; 95% CI 0.06–0.82; P = 0.02). The low number of subgroup injuries prevented statistical significance. However, a promising protective effect was observed. Severe knee injuries were reduced by 62%. By injury type, sprains or ligament injuries were reduced by 67%, and meniscus or cartilage lesions by 58%. Overuse/growth-related injuries were reduced substantially by 85%. Conclusion: The ‘FUNBALL’ programme showed a large efficacy in reducing the incidence of severe injuries in young male football players. Considering that these injuries cause the longest absence from football, it is recommended to implement the programme at least twice per week to exert a preventative effect. Trail Registration Number: Clinical trials NCT05137015.