Age-Related Differences in the Anthropometric and Physical Fitness Characteristics of Young Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Considering that most professional academies seek to optimize the early detection and physical development of their younger players, the purpose of this study was to examine the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics in a large cross-sectional sample of youth soccer players in Eastern Europe, starting from a very young age during their in-season period. Three hundred and thirteen soccer players (n = 313), grouped into eight age categories, participated in the study. On the basis of chronological age, the group categories were: 7 (n = 26), 8 (n = 41), 9 (n = 46), 10 (n = 48), 11 (n = 42), 12 (n = 47), 13 (n = 43), and 14 years old (n = 20). The players underwent an anthropometric evaluation, flexibility, handgrip strength, vertical jump performance, speed, and agility assessments. A one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) indicated significant differences in the anthropometric and physical fitness variables based on chronological age (F = 13.40, p < 0.05, Wilk’s Λ = 0.08, partial η2 = 0.30). Concurrently, there were significant growth and physical fitness differences even in players born in the same chronological year. It is believed that the results have important practical implications, especially for those involved in youth soccer. Based on our results, coaches should contemplate speed and agility development in training sessions starting from a much younger age, as sprinting while changing directions has been considered an essential prerequisite in soccer.

Physical fitness in young top level table tennis players: differences between sex, age and playing style

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The influence of age and sex on speed–strength performance in children between 10 and 14 years of age

“…Therefore, it can be hypothesized that there is a significant influence of age on strength in boys ( Parpa and Michaelides, 2022 ), and that, consequently, increases in measured performance values with enhanced age may be attributed to a higher relative maximum strength level due to pubescence, whereas, in female soccer players, a decrease in relative strength with increased age can be observed ( Emmonds et al, 2020 ). There would appear to be sex-related factors that influence explosive strength performance.…”

Seasonal Variation and the Effect of the Transition Period on Physical Fitness Parameters in Youth Female Soccer Players

“…Sprint performance was assessed using a maximal 30 m sprint according to the methods described by previous investigators [ 26 ]. Sprint times were recorded at 10, 20, and 30 m, but only the 30 m sprinting time was used for the analysis.…”

“…The players’ agility was evaluated with the T-test, which involves forward, backward, and lateral running. The test required four cones arranged into a T-shape according to the methods described by previous investigators [ 26 ]. The first and second cones were placed 9.14 m apart, while cones three and four were placed 4.57 m from either side of the second cone.…”