Coach-led preventive training program in youth soccer players improves movement technique

Long-term implementation of preventive training programs (PTP) in youth sport requires coach involvement. However, the optimal training of coaches to effectively implement a PTP remains unknown. It is also unknown if the benefits of PTP can be enhanced with multiple sport seasons of exposure. Objectives To evaluate the influence of prior PTP exposure on movement technique in youth soccer players after completing a coach-led PTP. Design Cluster-randomized controlled trial. Methods Twelve youth soccer teams (n = 89; age range 8–14 years) were divided into groups with (Experience (EXP); 6 teams [n = 18 females, n = 25 males]) and without (Novice (NOV); 6 teams [n = 30 females, n = 16 males]) previous professional-led PTP experience. The coaches and players of the EXP teams were exposed to an eight-week professional-led PTP before the coach-led PTP. EXP and NOV coaches attended the educational workshop prior to implementing the coach-led PTP. The Landing Error Scoring System (LESS) was used to evaluate movement technique. Results Both groups improved LESS scores over time (mean difference ± SD [post-pre] = −0.8 ± 0.2, 95%CI [−1.2, −0.4], p = 0.0001). Of the 64 participants classified as high risk for injury (LESS ≥5) prior to PTP implementation, a greater proportion of EXP (n = 14) compared to NOV (n = 7) participants changed risk classification from high to low (LESSΔ ≥ 1 and LESS <5; p = 0.03). Conclusions Our PTP enhanced movement technique regardless of PTP experience, but the benefits of the PTP impacted a proportionally greater number of players with previous PTP experience supporting continued PTP implementation. Coaches effectively implemented an exercise-based PTP after attending a training workshop regardless of previous PTP experience.