Why Female Soccer Players Face a Higher Risk of Head Injuries
Concussions in soccer are a growing concern, especially for female athletes. Research shows that girls’ and women’s soccer players suffer concussions at a significantly higher rate than their male counterparts—making it one of the most concussion-prone sports in the world.
THE FORCE OF A WOMAN’S HEAD …
So much can be said about the force of a woman’s … According to an NCAA study, women’s soccer ranks second only to football in the number of concussions reported annually, with over 1,100 cases recorded each year. For high school athletes, studies suggest that girls who play soccer are at just as much risk for traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) as football players.
The Danger of Soccer Headers & Head Collisions
One of the primary causes of concussions in soccer is head-to-head collisions—when two players jump for a ball at the same time and crash into each other. While headers themselves have been debated as a factor in long-term brain injuries, studies have shown that the real danger often comes from accidental contact, such as head clashes and falls to the ground. 
Several of the most influential women in soccer, including Megan Rapinoe, Abby Wambach, Michelle Akers, and Brandi Chastain, have spoken out about the risks of concussions in the sport and the need for better awareness, prevention, and safety measures.
How Strong Is the Force of a Woman’s Head?
To better understand the impact of head collisions in soccer, we spoke with Windpact, a leader in impact protection technology, to visualize the force generated when two players collide mid-air. The results are eye-opening:
- The force of two players’ heads colliding can be equivalent to a car crash at 20 mph.
- Female players may be more susceptible to concussions due to biological differences in neck strength and head stabilization compared to male players.
- Studies suggest that repetitive heading may also contribute to long-term cognitive issues, although research is still ongoing.
What Can Be Done to Reduce Concussions in Soccer?
As awareness grows about head injuries in soccer, coaches, players, and governing bodies are taking action:
- Limiting headers for younger players: U.S. Soccer has implemented rules banning heading for players under 11 years old and restricting heading drills for ages 11-13.
- Improving concussion protocols: Immediate removal from play after a suspected concussion is critical. Players should undergo proper concussion assessments before returning to the field.
- Enhancing player safety through education: Coaches and parents must be educated on concussion symptoms, prevention strategies, and the importance of recovery.
Final Thoughts: Prioritizing Brain Health in Soccer
While soccer is an incredible sport that teaches teamwork, discipline, and resilience, the risks of head injuries cannot be ignored. By continuing to raise awareness, enforce safety measures, and push for better protective strategies, we can help make the game safer for female athletes at all levels.
The issue of concussions has been well documented and U.S. Soccer has resources to help coaches, players, and parents understand the importance of speaking up, proper diagnosis and recovery.
While concussions can be caused by hitting another player or the ground, even the goalposts, concussions can also occur when heading the ball.
Heading the ball — to redirect it or score a goal — can be a game-changer and is a valued skill in the game. The question is, can it cause a concussion and is it a precursor to Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy, the degenerative brain disease known as CTE? The legendary female superstar, Akers who is in the National Soccer Hall of Fame, played in the 1991 and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, as well as the 1996 Olympics, was a top goal scorer. According to the NPR, “She now regrets what she estimates were at least 50 headers per game during her career.”
Although the U.S. Soccer Federation banned heading for youth soccer players 10-years-old and under, there is still a major issue of concussions in youth soccer players U11 and older.
TEEN GIRL SOCCER PLAYERS RATE OF CONCUSSIONS FOUND TO RIVAL FOOTBALL
Last year a study published in Pediatrics, found that the rates of football practice-related concussions and recurrent concussions across all sports has decreased.
In fact, according to this study, among sex-comparable sports, concussion rates were higher in girls than in boys (3.35 vs 1.51 per 10,000) and girls had larger proportions of concussions that were recurrent than boys.
A big thanks to Windpact – they are committed to researching, designing, and improving impact protection materials to make sports safer for today’s and tomorrow’s athletes. Windpact combines applied science, technology, and material data to make sports safe.
