Group working to warn about concussion injury and soccer

After so many have been caught up in the excitement of the World Cup matches recently, the potential dangers have also garnered more attention. A player on the German team received a blow to one side of his head. After deciding to return to play, he was later assisted off the field because he had most likely suffered a concussion injury. Now, an organization located in Massachusetts is sounding the alarm about children and soccer.

The Western New England Soccer Academy is trying to get the word out to parents concerning the potential risk of head injury to children when they are active in the sport. Many safety advocates are now calling for efforts to prevent young players from heading the ball. Over the past years, studies have shown a correlation between using the head to hit the ball and a negative effect on neurologic and cognitive thinking problems.

When children use their heads for soccer playing, it exposes them to a greater risk of brain injury, including concussions. Children are more vulnerable to suffering head injuries because their brains are still not fully developed. A campaign to limit heading to those 14 years and older is an attempt to prevent more children from suffering the health effects of a head injury.

The Massachusetts soccer school is working to teach younger players the correct technique to head the ball while using softer and safer equipment to do so. Any efforts that are made to protect children from suffering a concussion injury is a worthwhile endeavor. However, in spite of all precautions, not every head or brain injury may be preventable. When someone has suffered such an injury due to the negligence or malice of another, the injured party has the right to file a personal injury lawsuit in order to seek recompense for any monetary damage they may have sustained.

Source: wggb.com, “New Debate Focuses on Soccer Concussions”, , July 15, 2014