The scientific foundations and associated injury risks of early soccer specialisation

Abstract

Early specialisation is characterised by formal participation in a single sport at the exclusion of others. Limited data are available to support this approach in the development of soccer players who attain elite status later in life. Of growing concern is the associated increased risk of injury and suggestions that single sport specialisation is a risk factor independent of age, growth, biological maturation and training volumes. In the United Kingdom, elite soccer organisations have recently adopted an early sport specialisation approach following the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan. A key tenet of this programme is increased opportunities for training through a marked rise in the specified on-pitch hours per week. The accumulation of high training hours may be less of a relevant marker for success, and the impact of such a significant increase in training volume for young athletes who are experiencing a range of growth and maturational processes is currently unknown. This critical commentary includes an evidence-based discussion of the effectiveness of early sport specialisation and the potential injury risks associated with such programmes placing a specific focus on elite male youth soccer players. Available data indicate that modifications to the existing Elite Player Performance Plan framework could enhance players’ development and reduce injury risk. Proposed alterations include reduced volume of soccer-specific training at key stages of growth and maturation and guidelines for the provision of a greater variety of physical activities that are integrated within other programme components.

Integrating models of long-term athletic development to maximize the physical development of youth

“…Adolescent awkwardness refers to the temporary loss in motor coordination during a period of rapid growth and is characterized by greater movement variability and decreased movement Following previous recommendations 1, 34 , it is suggested that training load be monitored as repetitive loading during the adolescent spurt can increase risk of overuse injuries 24 . During the investment stage, the primary focus is improving performance in competition.…”

“…Although originally presented as a participation model, the Balyi and Hamilton 3 model promotes high volumes of conditioning and training around adolescence, particularly through the 10,000 hour rule; however, the suitability of this approach has been questioned in the literature 22,23 . The need to accumulate 10,000 hours of training (or deliberate practice) appears to be a misconception and may even be detrimental to long-term development 24 . The 10,000 hour rule for elite sporting attainment has been attributed to the work of Ericsson, Krampe 25 ; but, in an editorial, Ericsson suggested that his work had been misrepresented and that the 10,000 hour rule was somewhat of a misnomer 26 .…”

“…Ericsson 26 then claims that it is possible to reach an international level in much less time, consistent with findings from Baker and Young 27 that show elite level attainment in sport can occur with 4,000 to 6,000 hours of training which indicates that deliberate practice is more important than the quantity. Attempting to accumulate 10,000 hours of training may also increase the risk of overuse or acute injury or illness, especially during periods of rapid growth that are often synonymous with a loss of coordination 16,24,28,29 .…”

Early Sport Specialization and Intensive Training in Adolescent Female Athletes: Risks and Recommendations

“…Whilst some degree of sport-specialization is necessary during adolescence to reach elite status, the timing of single sport-specialization is more controversial. Governing bodies of most professional sports have talent identification and development systems that aim to identify, and subsequently nurture the most gifted young athletes using only the sport (78,80). However, evidence across a range of sports shows elite senior athletes tend to specialize at a later age, and participate in a diverse range of sports during their childhood (19,65).…”

Prevalence of non-functional overreaching in elite male and female youth academy football players

“…England is one such example of the investment in the youth game (4). Although being selected for an academy results in the young player gaining access to expert coaching and accompanying sports science and medical support, it also brings associated burdens.…”