Football is one of the most popular team sports and children intensively practice specialised skills without any specific guidelines in relation to the intensity and duration of training.

Worryingly it is unknown when overtraining may occur which may damage the growing areas of bones that are already 2-5 times weaker than the surrounding bone. The growth spurt at puberty is a particular area of concern because if the growth plate is regularly injured by too much exercise, this may result in bone deformity or lead to individuals being smaller than expected. 3D motion analysis software like the technology used in Harry Potter films and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used together to help improve our scientific knowledge on how lots of exercise can affect skeletal growth in healthy individuals.  Ultimately this collaborated research project between CAHId, IMAR and ISE could significantly provide greater detail as to the appropriate prescription of training for young athletes and the impact his may have on long-term growth and development. In addition the research may well provide information on the levels of exercise required to induce positive changes in growth, therefore enabling us to prevent possible long-term health risks and give a better understanding as to how bones adapt to our changing lifestyles.