Injury Prevention Programs in Youth Football: A Narrative Review of the FIFA 11+ and FUNBALL Programs.

Football (soccer) is a dynamic sport popular among youth, but it poses risks of injuries such as ligament tears, fractures, and concussions. Injury prevention programs are essential for safeguarding young athletes' health and performance. This review evaluates two key programs: the 11+ and FUNBALL. The 11+ program is a structured warm-up designed for young female players, emphasizing balance, coordination, agility, and neuromuscular control through dynamic stretches, strength drills, and plyometric exercises. It significantly reduces injury rates, particularly severe and overuse injuries. The FUNBALL program targets young male players, focusing on football-specific movements like sprinting, cutting, and ball-handling. Its flexible design incorporates core stability, balance, and plyometric training, effectively reducing thigh injuries and moderate-to-severe injuries. While both programs utilize multi-component strategies to reduce injury incidence and severity, they differ in target populations and delivery methods. The 11+ program integrates into pre-session routines, whereas FUNBALL offers post-warm-up flexibility with progressive levels tailored to players' development. Tailored, evidence-based programs like these are vital for mitigating injury risks in youth football, enhancing safety, supporting athletic growth, and fostering long-term participation in the sport.