England's post-Kane era finally looks far more rosy

It's too easy for Mayra Ramirez! Clinical Chelsea are looking ominous

How it feels to beat Lionel Messi

Santos, Doak & eight best Premier League loanees of the season

Saudi Arabia or MLS beckons for Pogba after Juve release

Fernandes in awe of Ronaldo's bicycle kick in demolition of Poland

Ronaldo sets clear timeline for retirement

USMNT star Pulisic attracts surprising Premier League suitor

📽️ | Mexico boss left bloodied after being hit by missile

Guardiola 'reaches agreement in principle' over future

Weghorst slammed for goal celebration after Hungary coach collapses

Should he stay or should he go? Miami's Luis Suarez dilemma

Ted Lasso star sends ‘potentially get excited’ message to fans

Article continues belowArticle continues belowArticle continues below<script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>ACL injuries rampant in women's football</li><li>More likely to occur in women than men</li><li>Bronze promotes research to understand the nuances</li></ul>

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze helps launch 'Project ACL' in partnership with FIFPRO, Nike and Leeds Beckett University

Women's Champions League

SKN St. Poelten

Barcelona

Friendlies

England

As a seasoned professional, Bronze has witnessed first-hand the devastating impact these injuries have on women footballers and understands the long-term consequences they pose to the sport. Drawing from her academic background, which includes a study of ACL injuries during her time at Leeds Beckett University, Bronze lends her <a href="https://www.fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/health-and-performance/fifpro-pfa-england-nike-leeds-beckett-university-launch-project-to-reduce-acl-injuries-in-women-s-football" target="_blank">support to 'Project ACL.'</a>It is a collaborative research initiative spearheaded by FIFPRO, the Professional Footballers Association, Nike, and Leeds Beckett University. This partnership aims to accelerate research efforts surrounding ACL injuries, particularly focusing on women's football.

WHAT HAPPENED?

There have been reports that indicate that ACL injuries are disproportionately more likely to occur in female athletes, two to six times more than men, with limited scientific literature dedicated to addressing this pressing issue. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/news/lionesses-barcelona-england-lucy-bronze-knee-injury-chelsea/blt4a4e511ba8edd5f0" target="_blank">Apart from Bronze</a>, notable players like Beth Mead, Leah Williamson, Sam Kerr, and Vivianne Miedema have all faced significant spells on the sidelines due to ACL injuries, underscoring the urgency of this research endeavour.The three-year project is concentrated on players within England's Women's Super League (WSL), with the ambition of generating findings that can inform best practices globally. By leveraging the WSL as a testing ground, the partners seek to develop comprehensive strategies for injury prevention and management that can be implemented across various football leagues.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

Speaking to <a href="https://www.fifpro.org/en/supporting-players/health-and-performance/lucy-bronze-players-need-to-be-more-aware-why-acl-injuries-happen" target="_blank">FIFPRO</a>, Bronze said: "It’s really important. We need to start fine-tuning the information that we’re putting out. There’s just so much talk and a lot of wrong information that gets put out.“There isn’t a quick fix to eradicating ACL injuries in women’s football. We need to do this fine-tuned research so that we can (pinpoint) the key factors and focus points. The players need to be more clear on the process of why it happens, what you can do to reduce the risk and not just changing your football boots or what socks you wear.“It’s important the right information is being put out there, both for players and their support system, clubs, and for the game in general.”

WHAT BRONZE SAID

Over the project's duration, the partners will translate research findings into actionable strategies tailored to the specific needs of clubs and players in the FA WSL. Moreover, 'Project ACL' aspires to share its findings with football stakeholders worldwide, including FIFA and regional confederations. By disseminating knowledge and implementing evidence-based practices, the initiative strives to revolutionise injury prevention and management in women's football on a global scale.

WHAT NEXT?

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze helps launch 'Project ACL' in partnership with FIFPRO, Nike and Leeds Beckett University | Goal.com Cameroon

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze actively supports &apos;Project ACL&apos; - a research programme in partnership with FIFPRO, Nike and Leeds Beckett University.

Lionesses star Lucy Bronze helps launch &apos;Project ACL&apos; in partnership with FIFPRO, Nike and Leeds Beckett University