Worries about ACL knee injuries in Norfolk women's football

The government's women and equalities committee chairwoman, Caroline Nokes, has written to football boot brands including Adidas and Nike about the lack of footwear specifically designed for women and girls.

Female footballers have found themselves prone to anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, with five top professional players sidelined by ACL troubles in 2022 alone.

READ MORE: Tribute to Lauren Hemp has upset 'many, many people'

England captain Leah Williamson will miss the World Cup due to an ACL injury (Image: PA Wire)

England captain Leah Williamson has been ruled out of the World Cup by an ACL injury, which is being held in Australia and New Zealand from July 20.

Studies suggest women are six times more likely than men to be sidelined with ACL issues, with the trend also seen at local level as the women's game continues to grow in popularity.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies goalkeeper Joanne Hooper in action in the Norfolk Senior Cup final against Norwich City at Carrow Road last season (Image: Ben Cunningham)

Joanne Hooper, 35, plays for Mulbarton Belles Ladies. She said: “In the team, there are at least four or five players who have had an ACL injury, and one player has had two.

“Women who want to play will come back, but if they aren’t crazy passionate, it can put them off.”

With around 2,500 players in women's football in Norfolk, those injuries can prove particularly costly, especially for adults of working age.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies goalkeeper Joanne Hooper and her team-mates celebration winning the Norfolk Women's Division One title last season (Image: Ben Cunningham)

READ MORE: Norfolk star named in England World Cup squad

Joanne, a goalkeeper, added: “I’ve played with police officers and other service members, and ACL injuries impact their careers, not just their football.

“I had an ACL injury at 18, not playing football, but football contributed.

“Back then, we didn’t have women’s boots, and I’ve always played with men’s because the cost of women’s boots are just ridiculous.

Mulbarton Belles Ladies goalkeeper Joanne Hooper (Image: Ben Cunningham)

“Wherever you turn, you feel that knee pull.

“And it's frustrating more than anything, as I have limited movement in my entire body and feel pain even now.”