Main content

Climate of fear: What's the solution to women's football's ACL crisis?

Players and medical experts on how to tackle the raft of ACL injuries in women's football.

England captain Leah Williamson and star Beth Mead were among more than 25 players to miss the Women's World Cup due to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) damage, drawing attention to an injury that's threatening to derail the progress of the women's game.

Women's health expert Dr Emma Ross from The Well HQ explains some of the reasons why women are six times more likely to have a non-contact ACL injury than men, while orthopaedic surgeon Nev Davies details how the Power Up To Play grassroots warm-up routine could reduce the risk of ACL injury.

We hear from Birmingham City's Siobhan Wilson, who is currently recovering from an ACL injury – and football’s global players’ union Fifpro on what needs to change to support women in football.

Panel: Katie Smith, Elizabeth Conway, Emma Ross, Nev Davies

Producer: Sam Sheringham

Release date:

Available now

45 minutes

Take the Menstruation Myths Quiz

Discover more about the menstrual cycle and athletic performance.

Podcast