Youth soccer is a widely enjoyed sport here in the Greater LA region, offering kids a wonderful way to stay active, learn teamwork skills, and make friends. Although there are many physical benefits of playing such an active sport with lots of dynamic movements, it’s also important to note that there are several common injuries that occur—some on the field, others over time. By gaining a better understanding of how these injuries occur, and how to prevent them, athletes can enjoy a safer sport and get back in the game quickly.

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Youth Soccer Thrives in LA

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First, here’s a little background. Did you know that the LAFC SoCal Youth team, part of the renowned Los Angeles Football Club—encompasses more than 4,000 players in its programs? Or that this club has secured six national championships and is renowned for its prowess on the soccer field? (The league itself, which operates throughout Southern California but includes Los Angeles County, currently contains more than 90,000 registered players across more than 4,600 teams.)

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Plus, the impressive Los Angeles Soccer Club (LASC) Boys 15U team reached the semifinals of the US Youth Soccer National Championships in 2024, showcasing the competitive spirit of LA's youth soccer scene.

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Not to mention, we are also so proud to work with the DTLA Soccer League, a team of rising stars. (In case you missed it, the league was recently featured in the Spanish edition of the LA Times.)

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As you can see, youth soccer is alive and thriving in our community! 

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Now: How do we ensure our players stay safe on and off the field?

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Youth Soccer Injury Prevention And Proper Training

Proper Youth Soccer Gear is Key

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Let’s start with injury prevention before kids even get on the field. It’s crucial for youth soccer athletes to have the proper gear. That includes:

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Shin Guards to protect the shins and lower legs from kicks and other accidents that may cause injuries or fractures during the game. Guards should fit snugly under socks and cover from below the knee to just above the ankle

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Cleats made specifically for soccer allow for the sudden stops, turns, and pivots players make on the field without slipping and falling. Cleats should match the type of field (artificial turf or natural ground).

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Gloves for goalkeepers protect their hands, wrists, and fingers. They should fit snugly but allow movement.

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Mouthguards protect more than just the mouth! Yes, they prevent tooth and jaw injury, but can also help reduce the risk of a concussion. 

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Loose-fitting moisture-wicking soccer clothes help to keep players cool on the field—much needed in our LA weather.

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Don’t forget sunscreen and extra water for hydration, even on cooler days.

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Youth Soccer Warm-up Exercises

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Ready to play? Start with these warm-up exercises.

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High-knee Jogging:

Jog forward while lifting knees high toward the chest on each step to improve flexibility and warm up the hip flexors.

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Dynamic Leg Swings:

While holding a wall with one hand, swing the opposite leg forward and backward for about 10 swings. Switch sides. This helps to engage hamstrings, quadriceps, and hips, while promoting balance and coordination.

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Squatting Side Shuffles:

Squat slightly and shuffle sideways for about five seconds in one direction, then continue back the other direction to help with coordination and dynamic directional changes.

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Preventing Common Soccer Injuries

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Jumper’s Knee

Patellar tendonitis, also called jumper's knee, is inflammation in the band of tissue (the patellar tendon) that connects the kneecap (patella) to the shinbone (tibia). This condition can best be prevented by having strong thigh muscles, but also by wearing properly fitting shoes and by adding a warm up and cool down routine. This is also known as an overuse injury, which can be avoided with adequate rest and conditioning. Read our Pediatric Overuse Injury Guide for more details.

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Shin Splints

Running on hard surfaces and/or the use of improper footwear are common causes of this condition, which is marked by shin pain and tenderness. Shin splints occur when repetitive stress is put on the shinbone and its attached connective tissues, causing a dull ache along the inner part of the shin. Proper stretching, core and lower body strength training, and the right-fitting footwear can help prevent shin splints.

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ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Tears

The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee and provides stability. A common ACL injury is a sprain or tear due to pivoting and twisting during sports like soccer, but also football, basketball, and tennis. Prevent this painful condition by strength training the hamstrings and quadriceps, avoiding overtraining, and by practicing proper landing techniques.

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Concussions 

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that can occur in contact sports or any activity with a risk of falling. While not always obvious, concussions should be taken seriously as they can have long-term consequences on a child’s health and cognitive function. Prevention can be difficult as these contact-injuries are often accidents on the field, but by ensuring coaches are properly trained (for example, headers should be avoided for children under age 10) and parents are informed of warning signs/symptoms, education becomes a form of prevention. You can also make sure your child understands the importance of reporting head injuries. There are also options for protective headgear.

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Fractures

Soccer-related fractures (broken bones) can occur due to either repetitive stress or direct impact, and commonly occur in either the legs or wrists. Fractures require immediate attention; to learn all about fractures, view our Parent’s Guide to Understanding Fractures.

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What To Do When Soccer Injuries Occur

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Treatment for soccer injuries can be as simple as ice and rest, or as dire as casting or surgical intervention. That’s why it’s crucial to treat all injuries as quickly as possible. 

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If your child or athlete is injured in the LA region, our Pediatric Urgent Care Center provides access to the best orthopaedic care for children, without the long waits of an emergency room visit to see a general physician. 

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At LuskinOIC's Urgent Care Center, orthopaedic doctors and staff provide essential urgent and trauma medical care to children with broken bones and musculoskeletal injuries.

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The Importance of Rest

Rest is typically the first step toward injury recovery. Although it may be difficult for a driven young athlete to restrict or stop activities for a period of time, sticking to a doctor’s treatment plan can allow for faster recovery. We want to see you get back in the game, too!

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Return to Sports Program

Our expert Sports Medicine team uses cutting-edge research to assess the physical and mental/emotional readiness for young athletes to return to their favorite activities post-injury. 

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From evaluating limb symmetry to analyzing neuromotor control, our expert physicians guide athletes and families toward a safe return to the sports and activities they love. 

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At LuskinOIC, it’s not just about having the most innovative technology—it’s also about accessible expertise, often provided free of charge, making us the top choice for an athlete to get back in the game.

We aim to provide outstanding musculoskeletal medical assistance for all children and we’re here for you if an unexpected wrist injury happens. Learn more about our caring team of experts at LuskinOIC.