Effective Program to Prevent Injuries for Young Football Players

FIFA has officially designated Indonesia as the host of the 2023 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled from November 10 to December 2, 2023. This decision was made because Indonesia was deemed to meet the requirements for facilities and infrastructure. The appointment is seen as a redemption arc after the withdrawal saga of Indonesia as the host for the U-20 World Cup, which was eventually held in Argentina. Several teams from 24 countries will compete in four top stadiums in Indonesia, including the Jakarta International Stadium (Jakarta), Si Jalak Harupat Stadium (Bandung), Manahan Stadium (Solo), and Gelora Bung Tomo Stadium (Surabaya).

Peak physical condition in this beloved sport is crucial for athletes to sustain high-intensity performance throughout the 90-minute duration of a football match. In the opening match of the U-17 World Cup 2023, the Indonesian U-17 National Team seemed overwhelmed in the second half against Ecuador. This may be due to differences in physical readiness and match experience, where Ecuador had the advantage.

The recent struggles of the Indonesian U-17 National Team highlight the importance of Dr. Mahendra Wahyu Dewangga’s research on injury prevention. Dr. Dewangga, a lecturer at Physiotherapy Study Program at Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), conducted a study titled “Effects of FIFA 11+ program on speed, body balance, and leg muscle power to prevent injury among football club university players.” This research, published in the international journal Fizjoterapia Polska (indexed in Scopus Q4), emphasizes the need for well-planned and systematic physical training programs to enhance athletes’ fitness and reduce injury risk.

Our steps were accompanied by the gentle sunlight as we headed towards the Football Field at Campus 2 UMS to meet with Mr. Mahendra. The traces of last night’s rain could still be felt in the grass, dampening the tips of our shoes. Slowly, we walked to the pavilion lined with glass on the east side of the field, where the interview was about to begin.

A man in a national football jersey greeted us with a friendly smile. His face, without distinct lines, hinted at his youthful age.

“This research is relatively new, but its impact will be highly significant, particularly for young players. I closely follow the progress of young football athletes, especially girls,” stated the young lecturer on Monday (13/11).

Embracing the FIFA 11+ program in his research, he explained that the majority of young Indonesian football players still lack certain aspects such as body balance, leg muscle strength, and others. He said, “We see that FIFA 11+ is a standardized training program with the aim of avoiding possible injuries. It consists of a sequence of exercises, beginning with a general warm-up, followed by core exercises that incorporate running, jumping, muscle strengthening, and static stretching.”

The prologue from the lecturer made us realize that sports injuries often stem from a lack of physical preparation, understanding of techniques, and supervision. Therefore, aligning proper warm-up, correct sports techniques, and training intensity management is important to prevent unwanted injuries.

The lecturer, who holds a Doctorate in Sports Science, conveyed that the lower part of the body, especially the legs, is the key for football players. If players suffer injuries to these muscles, the recovery time may be quite long, ranging from 6 months to 1 year.

“For example the leg muscles of Bruno Fernandes, the attacking midfielder from Manchester United, he never missed a match due to injury. Why? His discipline in training using standardized protocols and the right training patterns makes his leg muscles very strong,” he explained.

The bustling atmosphere of students passing by accompanied our interview with Mr. Mahendra. Nevertheless, Mr. Mahendra remained calm and enthusiastic, answering our questions attentively.

“It’s no wonder that the FIFA 11+ program can significantly improve the physical and technical condition of football players. They’ll become more physically mature and reduce the risk of injuries, both during training and matches,” stated the Physiotherapy lecturer.

The FIFA 11+ program incorporates dynamic exercises meticulously crafted by FIFA. These exercises build joint stability and improve motor control, thereby reducing the risk of injuries to muscles and ligaments.

“FIFA 11+ also incorporates an educational component. Athletes are provided with information about the importance of proper warm-up, the technique of exercise execution, and the role of balance. By integrating physical and educational aspects, this program is not just a warm-up routine but an effective approach to reducing the risk of injuries in football players,” added Mahendra.

The Physiotherapy Lecturer found a significant difference between football players in Indonesia who regularly implement the FIFA 11+ program and those who do not. He said, “The difference in player performance is very noticeable, especially in the strength of the hamstrings and quadriceps.”

“Teenage years, including U-17, are vulnerable to injuries. It is regrettable if, at a young age, they have to endure muscle injuries, leg injuries, and various other injuries. Injuries that occur at a young age have the potential to hinder the long-term careers of athletes in the world of football.”

“Although my research focuses on young football athletes, the FIFA 11+ Program can be applied to various age groups. However, some adaptations need to be made to accommodate the physical differences of football players in different age groups. This program can also be implemented in all genders,” said Mahendra.

For him, who has long dabbled himself in the world of football, especially women’s football, he has encountered some coaches who are completely unaware of the existence of the FIFA 11+ Program. He truly regrets this because the FIFA 11+ Program is an international standard from FIFA and has proven to be an important developmental stage for a football athlete.

“FIFA 11+ is an additional program and should not be the sole training component. Nevertheless, it would be beneficial if all football clubs in Indonesia, regardless of their level be it professional, semi-professional, or at the academy level, including elementary, junior high, high school, and university levels could incorporate it,” he said.

We had previously believed that the different weather in European countries and in tropical countries like Indonesia could affect the effectiveness of the FIFA 11+ Program. But Mahendra said otherwise, his final statement denying any influence of the weather on the program.

“There is no significant difference between European countries and Indonesia because the FIFA 11+ program is essentially universal. Typically, it is the coaches who pay attention to suitable and safe training times for their athletes. They avoid midday when the sun is scorching because athletes may experience dehydration, and it's also not feasible during heavy rainstorms. Most coaches implement the FIFA 11+ program in the morning and late afternoon.”

Writer: Genis Dwi Gustati

Editor: Al Habiib Josy Asheva

Translator: Farizal Luqman Majid