Football Development Officer (Female Lead) at Surrey FA, Emma Eaton, recently spoke to The Guardian’s Sally Williams about a critical issue affecting the women’s game: the alarming rise in career-ending knee injuries.

The brilliant article highlights the number of high profile players who are missing tournaments and having the careers ended early due to ACL injuries. A return to peak performance can take up to 18 months to two years away from the game, but even after a full recovery programme the reality is the knee is never 100% again.

The Guardian article delves into the unique challenges faced by female footballers, from physiological differences to training environments, and highlights the urgent need for more research and preventative measures. 

For Eaton and Surrey FA, protecting the well-being of female players is our highest priority. Emma said: “We must do more to try and prevent our professional athletes from career ending injuries. But it’s not just about them—it’s also about those at the grassroots level, the everyday women juggling football with regular jobs. An ACL injury doesn’t just take them off the pitch; it can turn their entire life upside down. Their livelihood, not just their passion for the game, is at stake.” 

To read the full interview and explore this critical issue in greater detail, click here 

Stay tuned as Surrey FA continues to push for advancements in women's football development and athlete safety.