Chakdara

Football is a physically demanding sport involving frequent jumping, cutting, and sudden direction changes, which makes players prone to musculoskeletal injuries, especially around the knee. Hamstring strains are among the most common injuries in football, significantly affecting player performance and career length. This study focuses on academy-level male football players in Pakistan to evaluate injury prevention strategies targeting hamstring flexibility and neuromuscular control using a randomized control design. The study compares two groups one group will participate in the FIFA 11 injury prevention program combined with standardized myofascial release MFR techniques on the hamstring fascia, performed by a manual therapist before FIFA 11 sessions. These sessions occur three times per week for six weeks. The other group will continue their usual warm-up routines without FIFA 11 exercises, also three times per week for six weeks. Participants will be involved for six weeks during which researchers will assess injury occurrence, muscle strength, hamstring flexibility using the Passive Straight Leg Raise test, and functional performance with the Single-Leg Hop Test for Distance. These evaluations will help measure changes in injury risk factors. The study aims to provide evidence-based insights for reducing hamstring injuries in youth football players through combined exercise and manual therapy approaches.