Take the ACL Pledge Today!
Florida Youth Soccer Association (FYSA) is proud to support the National ACL Injury Coalition, an initiative led by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play and the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). This groundbreaking coalition marks the first national, multi-sector effort dedicated to preventing ACL injuries among teen athletes.
ACL injuries—particularly non-contact ones—are surging among young athletes. There has been a 26% increase in teen ACL injuries since 2007, especially in agility sports like soccer and basketball, and female athletes are particularly at risk. These injuries often lead to surgery, long rehabilitation, early onset arthritis, and even knee replacement in later life.
Thankfully, evidence-based solutions exist: neuromuscular training (NMT)—simple, structured exercises focusing on strength, control, and movement mechanics—can slash ACL injury risk by 50–80%.
Aspen Institute’s Project Play Mission: Health, Equity, and Stronger Youth Sports
Formed in 2023, the National ACL Injury Coalition brings together leaders from medicine, public health, sports organizations, and education. Their work centers on four strategic priorities:
- Implementation – Integrating NMT into team training and youth sports culture.
- Education – Raising awareness among coaches, parents, and athletes.
- Equity – Ensuring all athletes, regardless of background, have access to prevention resources.
- Alignment – Building collaboration among schools, clubs, parents, and stakeholders
Take the #ACLpledge Today
To amplify these efforts, the Coalition invites everyone to take the #ACLpledge—a commitment to raise awareness, promote prevention, and activate change. Learn more and take the pledge using the buttons below.
What You Can Do:
- Parents & Players: Ask if your programs include ACL prevention and support the pledge.
- Coaches & Clubs: Adopt NMT—10–15 minutes, 2–3 times per week can make a big difference.
- Community Leaders: Advocate for resources, equity, and safe sport practices.
By uniting through the #ACLpledge, Aspen Institute, FYSA, and partners are working to build a youth sports culture where fewer knees are injured—and more lives stay in motion for years to come.