By Mike McCaffrey

Non-league football in Sussex is the beating heart of our local sports culture and community. It’s where passion for the game thrives, from the die-hard players giving their all every weekend to the loyal fans on the touchlines. But recently and before, there’s been a growing problem that’s impossible to ignore.

In the last week alone I have heard of 3 serious injuries. I’m not talking about the odd knock or sprain, we’re seeing more serious setbacks like ACL tears, broken legs and ankles. The kind of injuries that don’t just keep players off the pitch for months but also affect their livelihoods.

Taking a closer look at the root causes, including the rise of artificial 3G pitches and the growing trend of micro shin pads, there are consequences that ripple far beyond the game. As a football coach at Step 6 and with experience at the Sunday League level, I’ve experienced it first hand. As both a coach and a concerned parent, I worry about the safety of players, many of them young lads just starting out, putting their health on the line without proper protection or awareness of the risks, I was once that guy.

Injury trends in Non-League Football

In Sussex non-league football, injuries seem to be on the rise, and it’s not just bad luck. ACL injuries have become one of the most common and serious setbacks players face. The ACL is vital for knee stability, and it’s often torn during quick pivots or awkward landings, both of which are everyday occurrences in football. Recovery isn’t quick.

It can take anywhere from six to 12 months, with surgery and physiotherapy part of the process. For those who opt not to have surgery, like me stupidly, the long-term effects can be permanent.

Then there’s the issue of artificial 3G pitches. While they offer convenience, income and all-weather playability, they’re not without problems. Unlike natural grass, these surfaces can increase the risk of joint strain, impact injuries, and ligament damage. The grip and traction are different, leading to more sudden stops and twists, the kind of movements that destroy knees and ankles.

I’ve stood on the sidelines and watched too many players go down clutching their legs after sharp turns on these surfaces. The frustration among players, coaches, and parents alike is growing.

Unfortunately, as I researched further, statistics specifically for Sussex player injuries are limited, but national figures show that non-league players are about twice as likely to suffer from injuries compared to professionals.

Why? Because non-league footballers often play on poorer-quality pitches, train less regularly, and lack the medical support that top-level players take for granted, that’s key too for non-league players.

Part 2 will follow on Tuesday evening.