TAKE THE ACL PLEDGE
Serious knee injuries are on the rise in teen athletes. You can help us change that. Simple exercises done regularly can keep athletes on the field and active for life.
26% rise in teen ACL injuries since ‘07. Agility sports and girls most at-risk.
Solutions: Start with neuromuscular training (NMT). 50-80% fewer injuries with simple exercises done regularly.
Nearly 9 in 10 athletes would do a program if it could prevent injuries, but only 15% say they have.
Just 1 in 5 coaches say they implement proven programs.
Why not? Many cite a lack of time, knowledge and club priority.
Take the #ACLpledge and join our national campaign to raise awareness and inspire action on the ACL injury crisis in youth sports.
National ACL Injury Coalition
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries have devastating consequences for thousands of youth each year and deserve to be treated as a public health crisis. The Aspen Institute and Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) have partnered to form the first national coalition to reduce ACL injuries. Learn about the problem and find ways you can take action today.
A rupture of the ACL can threaten a young person’s future in sport and physical activity. Major surgery is required and involves high healthcare costs, significant risk of financial burden, a long difficult recovery, psychological impacts, long-term knee pain, and serious risk of knee replacement.
FEMALES
Four times more likely in
sex-comparable sports.
CUTTING AND LANDING SPORTS
Soccer, football, basketball
and lacrosse face greatest risk.
UNDERSERVED YOUTH
Less access to healthcare can increase risk of injury and financial burden.
SOLUTIONS
The risk of non-contact ACL injury can be dramatically reduced. Simple exercises done regularly can improve lower body strength and control, allowing athletes to change speed and direction more safely. This neuromuscular training is associated with fewer injuries, improved athleticism and team performance.
COACHES
Build knowledge with free courses then set up neuromuscular training in your team.
PROGRAM DIRECTORS
Use our Field Guide to introduce neuromuscular training in your program.
PARENTS
Stay informed of risk factors and support neuromuscular training for your child.
NEWS COVERAGE
