Carl Shearer was a player with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the NASL. I had the privilege of coaching him. After the NASL folded Carl used his considerable intelligence and determination to graduate as a physician – Dr. Carl Shearer. Carl has put his knowledge from on the soccer field and off it to become one of the leading experts in the world regarding soccer-related injuries. Dr. Carl commented in one of our earlier articles about the controversial topic of heading and injuries associated with that exciting skill (Click here for the link). In our World of Soccer newsletters Marc Rizzardo, another internationally-recognized injury expert, has been doing a series of articles about injuries. Marc and Carl know each other well and have worked together with the Canadian National Team program. Just recently Marc covered the importance of the proper warm up exercises. I was quite surprised when he said that ideally Warm-Ups should last at least 20 minutes. Now Dr. Carl reveals some really cutting-edge information out of Sweden about warming up and avoiding injuries.

Injuries in youth soccer
We can we decrease the carnage – getting the word out
by Carl Shearer

There can be no doubt that competitive team sports bring many benefits to its participants. However, injury risks are very real. There is not much doubt that there is an epidemic of youth sport injuries. In my professional life I see on a first hand basis the carnage that organized sports can bring. I have seen players whose careers are ended due to injury; I have seen teams that have been decimated by severe injury. I have seen many players who are looking at a bleak musculoskeletal future as a result of injury. I currently coach my 11 year old daughter’s soccer team and, while I love the fact that these young girls are enjoying the beauty of the game that their predecessors (from my era) were, discriminately, unable to partake in, I do fear that they may be walking through the door of injury and future disability. More info