GROWTH AND PHYSIQUE OF FEMALE SOCCER PLAYERS 10-24 YEARS 963

Abstract

This study compares the growth status and physique of trained female soccer players from late childhood into young adulthood with reference data for corresponding samples of non-athletes. The sample included 100 select female soccer players from North and South Texas, 10-24 years of age, measured in Spring and Summer of 1995. Anthropometric dimensions included mass, height, sitting height, skeletal breadths, limb girths, and skinfolds. Measurement variability was well within tolerance limits of national surveys. Somatotype was estimated with the Heath-Carter anthropometric protocol. Relative fatness was estimated with a prediction equation developed on age group swimmers of the same age range. Information on years of soccer playing experience, training schedule, and menarcheal status was also obtained. For post-menarcheal athletes, recalled age at menarche was recorded. On average, the athletes trained four days per week (3.9±1.0) for nine months of the year (9.4±1.9). Years of experience increased with the age of the athletes, 4.6±1.7 years in 10 year old 13.1±2.9 years in 19-24 year old players. The size of the soccer players was similar to that for U.S. reference data; however, the soccer players had relatively longer legs and a lower estimated percentage fat. For comparison of somatotype, the sample was divided into three age groups, 10-13, 14-18, 19-24. The overall somatotype of the youngest players differed significantly from somatotypes of the two older groups, who did not significantly differ from each other (MANOVA). On average, endomorphy and mesomorphy increased, while ectomorphy decreased with age. Median age at menarche based on probit analysis of the status quo data was 12.9±1.1 years, which was identical to the mean age at menarche based on retrospective data for players 14 years of age and older, 12.9±1.2 years. The results indicate that female soccer players from late childhood into early adulthood do not markedly differ from data for non-athletes in size, physique, and age at menarche. A more elite sample of soccer players might show differences, but data are lacking.