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Neuromuscular warm-up positively affects motor abilities and muscle performance. The purpose of the study was to extend the knowledge about the effect of neuromuscular warm-up on the level of muscle contractility in female football players. The research sample consisted of experimental (EG, n=20) and control (CG, n=16) groups of female football players. The intervention lasted 12 weeks. The neuromuscular warm-up was implemented in the experimental group, while the control group performed a standard warm-up. Muscle contractility was assessed in dominant (DLE) and non-dominant (NDL) legs using Tensiomyograph (TMG-S2) (TMGBMC Ltd., Ljubljana, Slovenia, 2011) with emphasis on m.biceps femoris, m.gastrocnemius medialis, m.gluteus maximus, m.vastus lateralis, and m.vastus medialis. Muscle contractility was assessed with an emphasis on contraction velocity (Vc). Wilcoxon test was used to determine significant differences. After the intervention, there was a significant improvement in the contraction velocity of m. vastus lateralis DLE (p=0.040, r=0.342) and m. vastus medialis NDL (p=0.048, r=0.330). In contrast to these findings, when the standard warm-up was applied, a significant improvement was observed in the contraction velocity of m. vastus medialis NDL (p=0.011, r=0.422). Additionally, there was a decrease in the contraction velocity of m. biceps femoris, m. gastrocnemius medialis, and m. vastus lateralis in both dominant and non-dominant legs, though the decrease was not significant. Based on the results, it is concluded that NMT warm-up significantly improved the contraction velocity in specific muscles (m. vastus lateralis DLE and m. vastus medialis NDL) in the experimental group. However, the effects on other muscles were not as pronounced, and the standard warm-up showed different results. Therefore, NMT warm-up has an impact on muscle contraction velocity, but the extent and consistency of this effect vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To test the predictive accuracy of gender-specific operational equations to determine the Fixed Blood Lactate Concentration (FBLC) thresholds, and to examine the relationships between the FBLC thresholds and the performance on the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT). FBLC thresholds and VIFT were determined in a semi-professional female soccer team (n = 15). Cross-validation of the equations predicting FBLC thresholds was performed. The relationships between the FBLC thresholds and the VIFT were examined. Cross-validation analyses indicated mean differences between estimated and measured FBLC thresholds to be < 6% and standard errors of the measurements < 4%. Pearson 's coefficients ranged from 0.79 to 0.97 (P < 0.01), intraclass correlation coefficients from 0.85 to 0.98 (P < 0.01), and coefficients of variation were < 7%. Regression analyses showed FBLC thresholds to be related to VIFT (r = 0.697 to 0.705; P < 0.005; standard errors of the estimates ≈5.7%). Cross-validation analyses denoted sex-specific equations for estimation of FBLC thresholds to be generally valid. Equations to predict FBLC thresholds from the costless VIFT might help reducing the burden associated with cardiorespiratory testing. The equations developed for prediction of VIFT from submaximal procedures (FBLC thresholds) might be of great utility to guide endurance training when no high intensity running exposures are allowed. This is the first study validating FBLC prediction equations and reporting the relationships between aerobic capacity and intermittent aerobic power in female footballers. Reported results are applicable in real training situations and, hence, might interest the supporting staff of female soccer squads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise / Türk Spor ve Egzersiz Dergisi is the property of Turkish Journal of Sport & Exercise and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Background: There is a lack of specific genetic studies regarding injuries in women's football. However, different genetic factors have been associated with tendon/ligament injuries in women football players. The aim of the study was to examine the genotypic frequencies of genes associated with injury risk and epidemiology in women's amateur football players and the aetiology of injuries. Methods: In total, 168 women's amateur football players from football clubs in the Spanish second division league and Caucasian descent were enrolled in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. AMPD1 (rs17602729), ACE (rs4646994), ACTN3 (rs1815739), CKM (rs8111989) and MLCK (rs2849757 and rs2700352) polymorphisms were genotyped. The characteristics of 169 non-contact injuries during the 2022/2023 season were classified following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus Statement for reporting injuries as follows: musculoskeletal, tendon/ligament, injury setting; and severity. The disequilibria of polymorphisms were estimated using the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The characteristics of the injuries were recorded, and the genotype characteristics were analysed. The genotype frequencies of all polymorphisms were compared between non-injured and injured football players and injury aetiologies. Results: The AMPD1 genotype distribution differed between tendon/ligament injured and non-injured (p = 0.003) with a higher frequency in the TT genotype and T allele. The genotype distribution was different for the CKM and MLCK c.37885C>A polymorphisms in training and match injuries (p = 0.038 and p = 0.031, respectively). In the ACTN3 and AMPD1 polymorphisms, the distribution of the TT genotype in both genes showed a higher frequency in severe injuries (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tendon/ligament injury epidemiology in women's amateur football players was associated especially with the TT genotype of the AMPD1 gene. The TT genotype of the AMPD1 and ACTN3 genes was also associated with severity, and the CKM and MLCK polymorphisms were associated with injury settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive balance remains a core component of sport economics literature and an important management consideration for league organisers. This paper analyses competitive balance in the 'top five' women's football leagues in Europe longitudinally between 1997/98 and 2018/19. Using recognised measures of league concentration and dominance, the results display a mixed picture in respect of competitive balance across the five major women's leagues in European football. The women's football industry has seen positive growth during the last ten years while competitive balance in most of the leagues examined has remained relatively stable. Some significant differences were detected in the levels of concentration between leagues. There was also some variation in terms of some leagues being dominated by a fewer number of teams. However, these two measures of competitive balance (concentration and dominance) were not necessarily correlated with each other. In a broader governance context, questions remain over the potential for further growth in the women's game as leagues are moving towards commercialisation of TV rights from 2021 to 2022. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A National Training Centre (NTC) is a centralized full time football program for girls aged 12 to17 in most capital cities across Australia. A key support program of Football Federation Australia (FFA) Player Pathway for Girls, the purpose of the NTC is to provide talent identified players access to a quality training environment with the goal of players progressing into Junior Matilda's and Young Matilda's teams, and ultimately the Matilda's and professional football. The purpose of this article is to outline and share the programs holistic approach and training methodology to physical programming within an annual cycle, focusing on preparing young talented players for the demands of elite women's football. A program that includes four football sessions per week that accumulate to > 6 hours of technical football practice, with physical conditioning integrated into football sessions focusing on high-speed running development due to the impact it has on successful performance in elite competition. A minimum of two strength training sessions should be completed per week, targeting early-stage strength and power development relative to players age and training age within the training model. Players should also undertake general and specific mobility and movement preparation before commencing training or competition game. The practical application in this article combined with an improved understanding of talent pathways training of elite women's football may assist strength and conditioning coaches and football coaches in the development and preparation of players for national representation and professional football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of specific genetic studies regarding injuries in women’s football. However, different genetic factors have been associated with tendon/ligament injuries in women football players. The aim of the study was to examine the genotypic frequencies of genes associated with injury risk and epidemiology in women’s amateur football players and the aetiology of injuries. Methods: In total, 168 women’s amateur football players from football clubs in the Spanish second division league and Caucasian descent were enrolled in this prospective observational cross-sectional study. AMPD1 (rs17602729), ACE (rs4646994), ACTN3 (rs1815739), CKM (rs8111989) and MLCK (rs2849757 and rs2700352) polymorphisms were genotyped. The characteristics of 169 non-contact injuries during the 2022/2023 season were classified following the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Consensus Statement for reporting injuries as follows: musculoskeletal, tendon/ligament, injury setting; and severity. The disequilibria of polymorphisms were estimated using the Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium (HWE). The characteristics of the injuries were recorded, and the genotype characteristics were analysed. The genotype frequencies of all polymorphisms were compared between non-injured and injured football players and injury aetiologies. Results: The AMPD1 genotype distribution differed between tendon/ligament injured and non-injured (p = 0.003) with a higher frequency in the TT genotype and T allele. The genotype distribution was different for the CKM and MLCK c.37885C>A polymorphisms in training and match injuries (p = 0.038 and p = 0.031, respectively). In the ACTN3 and AMPD1 polymorphisms, the distribution of the TT genotype in both genes showed a higher frequency in severe injuries (all p < 0.001). Conclusions: Tendon/ligament injury epidemiology in women’s amateur football players was associated especially with the TT genotype of the AMPD1 gene. The TT genotype of the AMPD1 and ACTN3 genes was also associated with severity, and the CKM and MLCK polymorphisms were associated with injury settings.

• A 7-step intervention-development process, incorporating a partnership with the sport's governing organisation and a focus on engaging program implementers, was applied to create Prep to Play PRO, the first injury-prevention program for women playing elite Australian football. • Critical stakeholders across multiple socioecological levels provided varied perspectives to guide Prep to Play's development and implementation strategy in the elite Australian Football League for Women. • Prep to Play PRO is a flexible, dynamic injury-prevention strategy that is integrated into each training session. • Prep to Play PRO is evidence-informed and context-specific and includes 5 stand-alone components (movement skills, football-specific preparation, education, strength and conditioning, and individual preparation). Developing context-specific, evidence-informed, and implementable injury-prevention programs is challenging. Women playing in the elite Australian Football League for Women are at high risk of serious knee injuries, and no specific injury-prevention program exists. The objective of the study was to describe the collaborative process used to create a context-specific injury-prevention program. A previously used intervention-development process was modified to incorporate a partnership with the sport's governing organization and focus on engaging program implementers. The Reach Effectiveness Adoption Implementation and Maintenance (RE-AIM) Sports Setting Matrix guided program development and implementation strategies. The 7-step process, aligned with the RE-AIM Sports Setting Matrix, was applied to develop the injury-prevention program and was titled Prep to Play PRO. The steps were: (Step 1) gaining organizational support and establishing a project partnership; (Step 2) using research evidence and clinical experience; (Step 3) consulting content and context experts; (Step 4) engaging the organization, experts, program implementers, and end-users to concreate the intervention and develop implementation strategies; (Step 5) testing the intervention acceptability and feasibility; (Step 6) evaluating the intervention and implementation strategies against theory; and (Step 7) obtaining feedback from early implementers and end-users. Engaging critical stakeholders at multiple ecological levels (organization, team, and athlete) throughout program development and implementation planning support real-world use. The processes and activities described can guide future sports injury-prevention program development and implementation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Movimento (0104754X) is the property of Movimento, da Escola de Educacao, Fisica, Fisioterapia e Danca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Movimento (0104754X) is the property of Movimento, da Escola de Educacao, Fisica, Fisioterapia e Danca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Women’s football in Romania has many unaddressed issues that, with due attention, can contribute to increasing the efficiency and quality of this sport, a necessity felt especially on the occasion of international competitions. The purpose of the present research is to examine the technical-tactical level (certain technical procedures and technical-tactical actions) of the women’s national football team by comparing it mainly with the Italian team (ranked first) and the Republic of Moldova team (ranked last) in the qualification campaign for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. The investigated technical and tactical parameters were provided by the Wyscout platform. Using the nonparametric Kruskal-Wallis test, we aimed to identify the existence of significant differences between the results obtained by the six football teams in Group G (Romania, Switzerland, Italy, Republic of Moldova, Croatia and Lithuania) in the matches played in both the first half and the second half of the championship, with a view to the following technical indicators: number of fouls committed, fouls received, possession, successful passes, duels won, aerial duels won and sliding tackles. To identify possible significant differences between the six groups (women’s football teams) analysed two by two for the mentioned indicators, the Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner (DSCF) pairwise comparison test was used. The results of the present study can be used by female football players and football coaches to raise awareness on the dynamics of the game and the technical-tactical elements used by successful women’s football teams. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The menstrual cycle is a normal biological process in women and girls. However, it is often the reason why they tend to be excluded from football medicine research. Consequently, our understanding of the menstrual cycle and football performance is still limited, especially in African women football players. The study aimed to explore African women football players' current and historical menstrual cycle status, menstrual symptoms, lived experiences, and perceptions of the menstrual cycle. Women football players at the COSAFA Women's Championship 2020 completed demographic questionnaires and the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire. The main findings were that 90% of the players did not use contraceptives,. Most of the players had access to their preferred choice of sanitary product; however, 36% used alternatives such as old rags during their periods,. The most commonly reported symptoms during menses were abdominal cramps (53%), headache (41%), mood swings (41%) and irritability (47%). Further, players reported irritability (48%), mood swings (52%), and breast tenderness (48%) in the week before their period. The low use of contraceptives is likely due to community level socio-cultural factors. While the use of old rags as impromptu sanitary products is likely because they cannot always afford their preferred choice. Menstrual symptoms can affect training and competition; therefore, team support personnel should be aware of the menstrual cycle's implications for African women football players and their effect on athletic performance and well-being. Additionally, team support personnel ought to be mindful of African women football players' socio-economic and religio-cultural contexts and their interaction with biological processes such as the menstrual cycle and contraceptive use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Being injured is inherent to participating in football activities; therefore, prevention of injuries is crucial. This requires that the risk factors for injury be established. However, such studies are rarely conducted in women athletes in Africa. The study's aim was to explore intrinsic risk factors for injury among African women football players using functional and musculoskeletal assessments. Participants (n = 40) completed demographic questionnaires; upper and lower limb active range of motion (ARO M); muscle endurance and functional movement screening (FMS™) assessed. Median age [Q1; Q3] was 24 [20; 27] years. Participants performed 20.5 [0; 30.5] push-ups and 28 squats [30; 38] in 60s; and held the prone elbow plank for 46.2s [30.6; 64.5]. Median FMS™ score was 12 [10; 13]; most players (n = 27, 68%) could not execute a proper deep squat. Most players (70%; n = 28), were able to properly perform the in line lunge but scored poorly in the shoulder mobility domain of the FMS™, with 73% (n = 29) scoring ≤1. Players with a history of injury had lower FMS™ total (p = 0.02). Overall, participants presented with low muscle endurance and movement imbalances, which might predispose them to injury. Hence, strength and conditioning measures should be instituted in this population to prevent injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the embodied nature of empowerment among women who play tackle football. Data collection involved semistructured interviews with 15 female football players in Western Canada. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed thematically. Three themes emerged from the data suggesting that playing football was empowering as women experienced: a) feelings of strength related to the physicality of the game; b) a sense of breaking boundaries as they participated despite challenges; and c) a sense of belonging to the team which led to positive outcomes such as increased confidence and selfacceptance. The findings of this study highlight the embodied nature of empowerment that comes through participation in sport and characteristics of contact team sport that can facilitate empowerment for women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to quantify the internal and external training load profile of an international training camp and identify any differences between positional groups or starting status. 18 players were sampled using a global positioning system (GPS) and internal training load (TL) via session rate of perceived exertion (RPE). Internal and external training load variation was present across all six individual training sessions. Results indicated match day −7 (MD-7), had significantly (P= 0.001) less training volume (3339.5 m) than all other training sessions. MD-5 and MD-2 were the most intense (387.5 and 201 m very high speed running (VHSR) and 187.5 and 49 m sprint distance (SPD) respectively in combination with large volume (5933.5 and 5151.5 m). Differences in playing position and starting status were observed in MD-2. Forwards (FW) covered significantly greater distances of VHSR (P= 0.008) and SPD (P= 0.008) in comparison to midfielders (MF) whilst starters reported significantly (P = 0.013) higher internal training loads (TL). This study provides the first report on training load in elite female footballers during an international training camp including a competitive fixture highlighting the undulation of training loads across the individual training sessions, playing positions and starting status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To profile the kicking and handballing accuracy of female Australian football (AF) players and investigate potential differences across five competition levels. Female AF players were classified into five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years) (n=35), non-elite senior (≥18 years) (n=58), high-level junior (<18 years) (n=32), non-elite junior (14–17 years) (n=38), and non-elite junior (10–13 years) (n=42). Modified AF kicking and handballing tests examined accuracy outcomes. Competition level differences in accuracy were modelled using multivariate analysis of variance. A large, significant difference between the competition levels was noted (F=11.508, p<0.001, Wilk's Λ=0.462, η2p=0.227), with significant differences (p<0.001) observed in the modified AF kicking (ω2=0.514) and handballing (η2p=0.150-0.250) tests. Elite seniors and high-level juniors performed the modified AF kicking test more accurately than all non-elite competition levels (p≤0.001). Elite seniors were also more accurate in the modified AF handballing test (dominant hand) compared to all non-elite competition levels (p≤0.001). This study is the first to report technical skill characteristics in female AF across a broader participation pathway. These exploratory findings could be used as reference data for player development and inform training designs, namely by incorporating non-dominant handballing competitive play situations to develop this skill in female AF players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players and investigate differences according to competition level. A testing battery of 28 physical fitness assessments was undertaken with 240 players across five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years), non-elite senior (≥18 years), high-level junior (<18 years), non-elite junior (14–17 years), and non-elite junior (10–13 years). Physical fitness profiles were examined and competition level differences were investigated using multivariate analyses of variance. Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between competition levels in body composition (η2p=0.225), flexibility (η2p=0.071), muscular strength and endurance (η2p=0.238), balance (η2p=0.093), reaction time (η2p=0.103), and whole-body locomotor performance (η2p=0.200). Elite seniors and high-level juniors were stronger (p<0.001–0.043), faster (p=0.001–0.022), more responsive (p<0.001–0.048), and had better cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.001) compared to the non-elite groups. Additionally, body composition and muscular strength and endurance differences were common between the senior and non-elite junior groups. This is the first study to comprehensively profile physical characteristics of female Australian footballers across a broader development pathway. These preliminary findings may assist sport practitioners to better understand athlete development, provide insight on talent identification and development programs, and injury management in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Facta Universitatis: Series Physical Education & Sport is the property of Facta Universitatis, Series Physical Education & Sport and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Movimento (0104754X) is the property of Movimento, da Escola de Educacao, Fisica, Fisioterapia e Danca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of Movimento (0104754X) is the property of Movimento, da Escola de Educacao, Fisica, Fisioterapia e Danca and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Although 'women's' football today is a practice in its own right, there are still profound differences at the level of the federations. While the feminisation rate is 6.6% in France (2018–2019), it remains proportionally lower than in Germany (15.5%), England (24.6%) or the United States (55%). How can these differences be explained? This article looks at the role played by (mega)sporting events in the process of institutionalisation of 'women's' football. The use of comparative analysis reveals the differentiated impact of two categories of events. Local and life events, anchored in the close, allow the practice to move from a logic of confidentiality to a logic of emergence, or even targeted development. And 'mega-events', such as international competitions, rather allow the practice to move from a logic of development, to a logic of consolidation, or even cultural rootedness. With one exception: the case of French women's football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although American football has primarily been a sport populated by boys and men, girls and women have participated for over 100 years. The media have covered these stories since the turn of the 20th century. Informed by feminist sport studies literature, this research examines media coverage of women footballers in the United States by conducting a textual analysis of over 100 articles from 1934 to 1979. Journalists who covered women encroaching on conventional men's space (i.e., American gridirons) simultaneously attempted to demonstrate women's athleticism and reified dichotomies between feminine and masculine norms and values in U.S. society. Our research suggests that representations of women in football align with gendered hierarchies of sport cultures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite an increasing interest from media and fans, one of the challenges women's football currently faces is the lack of resources to sustain its growth at both grassroots and elite levels. To cope with this issue, National Associations (NAs) of various countries have recently formulated a policy demanding men's football clubs to integrate a women's team within their structure. Using the Multiple Streams Framework, this article examines the context, timing and conditions leading to the implementation of the policy of integration in three different countries: Brazil, China and Italy. The authors collected and analysed policy documents and media reports to identify factors influencing the policy formulation. Results indicate declining performances of senior women's national team, low participation rates, external pressures from supranational football institutions and increased societal need to reduce gender disparities contribute to influence NAs' engagement with policies for the development of women's football. While potentially helping women's football enhance its visibility and commercialisation, the policy of integration risks the women's game continuing to be seen as subaltern to its men's counterpart. Implications of the policy of integration for the long-term development of women's football and its possible future scenarios are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive balance is a key concept in sports economics. It postulates the necessity of sporting equilibrium between playing strengths to generate outcome uncertainty and thus fan demand. When looking at national teams, policy and political factors can help explain competitive balance. This article is interested in the evolution of competitive balance in the FIFA women's football World Cups over the 1991–2019 period. It aims to identify the policy, political and economic determinants of this evolution. The theoretical framework brings together the macro and sports policy factors leading to international sporting success, the historical policies and politics of gender equality and women's football impacting participation, and the economics and politics of the evolution of competitive balance that is positively impacted by an increase in participation. The research adopts a mixed methods approach, with the data relying both on sources documenting the historical policies and politics of gender equality and women's football, and the measurement and determinants of the competitive balance in the women's football World Cups. The results show that competitive balance has increased over time, consistent with the idea that the growing participation internationally translates in a better quality of the different playing strengths that, ultimately, leads to a better competitive balance. This growing participation internationally is related to the different (sport) policies and politics across countries, and the decisions made by FIFA, in particular the number of teams taking part in the competition and the breakdown per confederation as incentives for national associations to develop their women's football team. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last 15 years, the number of young Australians requiring knee reconstructions for an ACL tear has risen by 70%, with approximately 200,000 surgeries performed from the period of 2000-2015 (1). Due to the large time cost of this injury, sporting organisations and bodies have shown great interest in ACL prevention programs, with 'prehab' activities becoming a key feature of the sporting program. The aim of this paper is to provide a framework for exercise selection for ACL risk reduction, with an emphasis on progressing landing and change of direction mechanics. The findings of this paper are based off current literature on ACL prevention and has also been influenced by the author's practical experience in coaching an ACL prevention program to a group of VFLW players. Key findings include that female athletes may benefit from a program focused on change of direction technique and landing mechanics due to a reduced technical proficiency. Following a progressive program, athletes display higher quality movement strategies which can reduce the risk of injury. Key practical recommendations have been combined into an ACL Injury Risk Reduction Continuum, with drill progressions occurring once athletes can demonstrate key movement competencies. This paper provides an example of structure, programming and practical applications when planning an injury prevention program specific to the female sub-elite footballer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of FinanzRundschau is the property of De Gruyter and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Women's football has provided a valuable source of investigation for the social sciences and in particular sports history and gender studies. Yet within this growing body of academic work, the study and analysis of the 'Scottish experience' has been limited. This article provides an overview of the development of women's football in Scotland from 1960 onwards, charting the journey from ad hoc matches with inadequate facilities to record participation levels following the FIFA Women's World Cup France 2019TM. It draws on feminist debates concerning sports history and the erasure of women from the narrative to situate the current lack of awareness of women's long involvement in football in relation to the dominant white male heteronormative discourse of the football community in Scotland. The core research information is obtained from oral history interviews with key players, coaches and administrators and archive material from Scottish Women's Football, the Scottish Football Museum and private collections. Together these sources reveal the determination of the women who ignored the barriers placed in their way, persisted in playing the game they loved and worked tirelessly to develop and promote women's football in Scotland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper provides an overview of an oral history project focusing on the experiences of female footballers, in particular those playing for Manchester City Women since its formation as a community initiative in 1988, through to its modern-day position as a leading Women's Super League club. It discusses the development of the project, analysis of the methodology employed and provides high-level findings on the club's history, the participants and the research process. For too long female participation, even at England's most famous clubs, has not been widely recognised, reported on or understood. This project, supported by a professional football club, begins to address these omissions. It does so by focusing on personal testimonies, together with archive material to generate an historical account of how a team, established as a community initiative, developed into a major trophy-winning club. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of rugby league in Liverpool has been a constant struggle, not only against the prevailing popularity of soccer, but other sports in the city such as baseball, athletics and greyhound racing. Nevertheless, prior to the outbreak of World War Two rugby league looked to be gaining momentum, as Liverpool Stanley RLFC had successive top four finishes in 1936 and 1937. Yet the promise of success was hampered by its greyhound racing owner and the outbreak of war, disrupting the burgeoning culture that was building around the sport. But rugby league in Liverpool did not disappear quietly, as its small, strong community rallied round to save their club. This article shows both the extent to which women were part of Liverpool's rugby league community, investing both time and money in the sport, at Stanley and at junior grassroots level. The article considers how circumstances brought women to the fore in the vital efforts to keep Stanley going, and that how they operated, utilising skills, both domestic and of the workplace, blurring lines between work and leisure. In doing so, the article sheds new light on the complex and extensive involvement of women in sport beyond playing and spectatorship. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2017, the Australia Football League Women's (AFLW) competition was introduced resulting in a rapid increase in community and sub-elite women's football competitions. As a result of the sudden increase, players participating are often under prepared or have very little exposure to football or the demands of a contact sport. The purpose of this article is to describe a methodology for strength and conditioning programming that prepares players for the demands of women's Australian Rules Football (AF). A program that includes three football sessions per week that accumulate to ~100 minutes of exposure and between 20-25km/week of total running volume. Dedicated blocks of conditioning with a focus on aerobic capacity development, high and very-high speed running, and interval type sessions should be prescribed. A minimum of two whole-body strength sessions should be completed per week with strength goals for fundamental movements set relative to the players body weight. Players should also undertake mobility, movement preparation, jump and land circuits and sport specific movements before commencing training or a game. The practical applications in this article combined with an improved understanding of sub-elite women's AF may assist strength and conditioning coaches in the development and preparation of players for competition demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrition education in professional sport may improve athletes' nutrition knowledge (NK), self-efficacy and food choices. Understanding athletes' NK can inform development of tailored nutrition education programs. To enhance health and performance, athletes' dietary intakes must meet their energy and nutritional needs and NK has been identified as a modifiable determinant of dietary intake. This study aimed to assess the NK of Australian football league women's (AFLW) athletes to provide recommendations for possible dietetic intervention. AFLW athletes (n = 26) were recruited from one Victorian football club. NK was assessed using the validated online Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire. AFLW athletes scored 'average' overall NK (score: 45.1 ± 12.5, mean accuracy: 50.6 ± 14%). Athletes demonstrated better knowledge in alcohol (5.6 ± 1.9, mean accuracy: 70 ± 23%), macronutrients (18.2 ± 5.0, mean accuracy: 60 ± 17%) and weight management subsections (7.3 ± 2.2, mean accuracy: 57 ± 17%). Athletes performed poorly in the supplements subsection (3.2 ± 2.0, mean accuracy: 23 ± 14%). This study assessed the NK of AFLW athletes and found athletes had average NK, with room for improvement particularly regarding supplement knowledge. Future research should assess the efficacy of online and group education to improve athletes' NK and dietary intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the role of physical qualities and physical match performances in distinguishing between elite performance levels in women's football. Over a two-season period (2016–2017), a league-wide study was conducted in which physical qualities and match external loads were collected in all players (n = 220) competing in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) in the USA. During the first week of each pre-season, the standing broad jump, 30 m sprint, and the 30–15 intermittent fitness test were conducted under standardized conditions. In each competitive league fixture (3,268 individual match observations), 10 Hz GPS data were collected in all players who completed full matches and playing position was categorized. Total distance, and the distances covered above high (≥12.5 km h–1), very-high(≥19.0 km h–1), and sprinting velocities (≥22.5 km h–1) were used to quantity match physical performances. Players were further categorized as international (INT) or domestic-level (DOM) players according to their country's squad selections during each season. There were few meaningful differences between INT and DOM players for either physical qualities or physical match performances. Whilst physical qualities and match performances may impact upon performance outcomes, they generally do not distinguish between performance levels in elite women's football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There is a lack of descriptive data available regarding the characteristics of female soccer players from the African continent or the Arab world. Objective: This study investigated the anthropometric and physical fitness profiles of Tunisian female soccer players in relation to field position. Methods: In all, 75 Tunisian sub-elite female soccer players, with an average of 4.3 ± 1.6 years of playing experience, including goalkeepers (GK; n = 11), central defenders (CD; n = 13), external defenders (ED; n = 15), central midfielders (CM; n = 10), external midfielders (EM; n = 14), and attackers (AT; n = 12), underwent anthropometric evaluations (body height, body mass, and body fat percentage) and physical fitness tests (flexibility, countermovement jump [CMJ], 20-m sprint, and Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1 [YoYoIR1]). Results: GK had significantly higher body mass (67.3 ± 2.4 kg), body height (169.3 ± 1.7 m) and fat percentage (24 ± 2.6%) compared to all field positions. AT were significantly faster (3.64 ± 0.10 s) than GK (3.75 ± 0.09 s) in the 20-m sprint (p < .01), but there were no significant differences among the other field positions. GK had a significantly lower Yo-YoIR1 performance (625 ± 84 m) than other field position players (p < .001), but no significant difference was found among other field positions. GK and AT showed significantly better CMJ performance (GK: 31.3 ± 2.6 cm, AT: 30.4 ± 2.4 cm) compared to other groups. GK had higher flexibility (21.6 ± 2.7 cm in the the sit-and-reach test) than all other positions (p < .05), but no significant difference was observed among players in the field. Conclusions: Overall, we can conclude that, in a north African sample of female soccer players, anthropometric profiles vary by playing position. As well, positional differences can be found when testing physical fitness components. This information could help coaches design more effective training programs to achieve success in modern soccer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The general goal of the study was to investigate the relationship between agility t-test (change of direction speed ability, CODS), 20-m sprint test (S20m) (linear speed ability), and countermovement jump (CMJ) test (lower limb explosive power ability). Methods. The sample involved 18 elite female football athletes (age: 18.56 ± 2.24 years, height: 169.47 ± 6.48 cm, weight: 63.52 ± 6.85 kg). Pearson correlation coefficients were applied. Multiple linear regression served to explain the relationship between the dependent variable (CODS) and 2 independent variables (S20m and CMJ). Results. Pearson correlation analysis indicated a moderate relationship between CMJ and CODS performance (r = -0.59, p = 0.01) and a very strong significant relationship between S20m and CODS performance (r = 0.80, p = 0.00). The results of multiple linear regression proved that both independent variables (S20m and CMJ) explained about 60.0% (adjusted R2) of the total model variance in relation to the dependent variable (CODS), whereas only S20m significantly (p < 0.05) explained CODS ability. Conclusions. The study highlighted the impact of explosive power of lower limbs (CMJ) and linear speed capability (S20m) on agility performance (CODS) in our sample. It suggests that the results of agility, linear sprint, and jumping performance seem to have similar determining factors. It is worthwhile to consider these findings in the training process of female elite football players in order to focus on essential training elements of physical fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

FIFA's recent (rhetorical) embrace of human rights prominently includes commitments to address gender discrimination and promote gender equality both on and off the pitch. What promise does FIFA's 'first-ever global strategy for women's football' hold as a means of fulfilling such commitments? A feminist institutionalist approach to this question offers insights into the bounded model of change endorsed by the Women's Football Strategy. It reveals that the Strategy's three key objectives serve as 'common carriers' for both long-standing institutional interests (in power, profit, and prestige) and newer institutional interests (in women footballers, women's football, and women in football governance). The assumption that these two sets of interests are mutually reinforcing is brought into question by exposing the ways in which FIFA's mainline institutional priorities, combined with certain structural features of football governance, blunt the reformist potential of the Women's Football Strategy. Bounded by old institutional features, the Strategy reflects a partial and incremental, rather than comprehensive and revolutionary, approach to addressing gender discrimination. FIFA's commitment to human rights therefore remains unfulfilled vis-à-vis women in football. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]