ABSTRACT
Background of the study: The background of the study focuses on the importance of football as a significant component of sporting activities in university campuses. Due to the physical nature of the game, injuries are common among football players, especially among amateurs. The study emphasizes the need for amateur footballers to understand the injuries associated with football and develop the right attitude towards reducing sports injuries in the University of Benin. Regular engagement in sporting activities, such as football, has numerous benefits, including improved cardiovascular health and reduced risk of contracting diseases. However, the benefits of football are often overshadowed by the injuries associated with the strenuous exercise during football games, which can impact players' physical health, academic performance, and social interactions. Aim of the study: The primary aim of the study is to assess the baseline knowledge of amateur footballers regarding sport injury prevention, including their familiarity with warm-up routines, cool-down practices, and the importance of proper techniques. The study also aims to explore the impact of coaching styles, university culture, and gender differences on players' knowledge and attitudes towards injury prevention. Methodology: The study employs a cross-sectional research design, utilizing a questionnaire to collect data from 200 amateur football players within the University of Benin. The questionnaire includes demographic information, knowledge scores, and attitude scores. Descriptive and inferential statistics are used to analyze the data. Results: The study finds that the majority of the respondents are males (91.5%) and between the ages of 24-26 years (43.5%). Most respondents are 100-level students (30.0%) and postgraduate students (30.0%). The mean score of the subjects indicates that majority of the respondents (64.5%) have good knowledge of sports injury prevention. Conclusion: The study concludes that the majority of amateur footballers have a good understanding of sports injury prevention. However, there is a need for targeted interventions to enhance the knowledge and attitudes of specific demographic groups. The study also highlights the importance of coaching styles and university culture in shaping players' knowledge and attitudes towards injury prevention, offering opportunities for coaches and trainers to develop strategies for player well-being. Keywords: Sport injury prevention, Amateur footballers, University of Benin.
