Academy Players Research Articles

Longitudinal development of anthropometric and physical characteristics within academy rugby league players.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the annual and long-term (i.e., 4 years) development of anthropometric and physical characteristics in academy (16-20 years) rugby league players. Players were assessed at the start of preseason over a 6-year period and were required to be assessed on consecutive years to be included in the study (Under 16-17, n = 35; Under 17-18, n = 44; Under 18-19, n = 35; Under 19-20, n = 16). A subset of 15 players were assessed for long-term changes over 4 years (Under 16-19). Anthropometric (height, body mass, sum of 4 skinfolds) and physical (10- and 20-m sprint, 10-m momentum, vertical jump, yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1, 1 repetition maximum [1RM] squat, bench press, and prone row) assessments were collected. Paired t-tests and repeated measures analysis of variance demonstrated significant annual (e.g., body mass, U16 = 76.4 ± 8.4, U17 = 81.3 ± 8.3 kg; p < 0.001, d = 0.59) and long-term (e.g., vertical jump, Under 16 = 44.1 ± 3.8, Under 19 = 52.1 ± 5.3 cm; p < 0.001, d = 1.74) changes in anthropometric and physical characteristics. Greater percentage changes were identified between the Under 16-17 age categories compared with the other ages (e.g., 1RM squat, U16-17 = 22.5 ± 19.5 vs. U18-19 = 4.8 ± 6.4%). Findings demonstrate the annual and long-term development of anthropometric and physical characteristics in academy rugby league players establishing greater changes occur at younger ages upon the commencement of a structured training program within an academy. Coaches should understand the long-term development of physical characteristics and use longitudinal methods for monitoring and evaluating player performance and development.

Match Analysis of U9 and U10 English Premier League Academy Soccer Players Using a Global Positioning System

The purpose of this study was to examine the match activity profile of U9 and U10 elite soccer players and to establish if there were any differences between players who were subsequently retained or released by their clubs. Such information should prove valuable in the design of training programs for these very young players and in the talent identification and development process. A Global Positioning System was used to analyze 2-4 interacademy 6-a-side matches of English Premier League Academy players (U9: N = 22 and U10: N = 12) who trained 3 times a week (4.5 hours). Speed zones were created based on 5 and 10-m sprint times, and an independent sample t-test was employed for a statistical analysis. Both squads covered ∼4,000 m in total or ∼4,700 m·h during a match (p = NS between squads), with the U10 squad tending to cover a greater distance at moderate (p = 0.10) and high speeds (p = 0.08) than the U9 squad. Retained group covered a greater distance than released group (retained vs. released: 4,478 ± 513 m vs. 4,091 ± 462 m, p < 0.05) during a match and covered a greater distance during low-speed running in absolute (1,226 ± 259 m vs. 1,005 ± 221 m, p < 0.05) and relative (1,325 ± 235 m·h vs. 1,132 ± 210 m·h, p < 0.05) terms. Thus, U9 and U10 players cover over 4000 m in match play, and those players who are retained by academies cover a greater distance in total and at low speeds (2.1-3.1 m·s). This information may support the preparation of squad training programs and the talent identification and development process.

Motion analysis of U11 to U16 elite English Premier League Academy players

This study examined (1) the distances and speeds covered during match play for U11 to U16 English Premier League Academy players, (2) the differences in match performance between retained and released players and (3) the effect of calculating speed zones in different ways when analysing match performance. Eighty-one academy outfield players (10–16 years old), competing in 11-a-side matches, were analysed using a 1-Hz global positioning system with three speed zones (absolute, squad and individual). Pitch dimensions were 78.7 × 54.1 m (U11 and U12), 88.0 × 64.2 m (U13) and 100.8 × 68.2 m (U14–U16). Match durations were 20 min × 2 + 15 min × 2 or 25 min × 3 (U11), 25 min × 3 (U12 and U13) and 40 min × 2 (U14–U16). The matches were part of the regular series of inter-academy matches between Premier League Academies during a season. Completion of at least a half of the duration of a match in two separate matches (mean ± s = 3.1 ± 0.8 matches; range: 2–4 matches) was the criterion for inclusion in the study. Total match running distance increased with age from ~5700 (U11) to ~6700 m · h−1 (U15) (P < 0.01). Using the absolute speed zones, it was possible to discern differences in high-intensity (>6.0 m · s−1) distance covered with age (U11: 29 m · h−1, U16: 164 m · h−1, P < 0.01). Using the squad speed zones, it was possible to discern differences between retained and released players in the U11/U12s (moderate-speed running) and in the U15/U16s (walking, jogging and low-speed running) (P < 0.01). Thus, total and high-intensity running distances increase with age, and walking, jogging, low-speed running and moderate-speed running distances are greater in retained than in released players and these differences are best identified through the use of absolute and squad speed zones, respectively.

Motion analysis of U11 to U16 elite English Premier League Academy Players

Motion analysis of U11 to U16 elite English Premier League Academy Players

Training Activities and Injuries in English Youth Academy and Schools Rugby Union

Background: All rugby training activities carry an injury risk, but in the training environment these injury risks should be more controllable than during matches. Purpose: To (1) describe the incidence, severity, anatomic location, and type of youth rugby training injuries; (2) determine the injury events and type of training activities associated with injuries; and (3) compare 2 levels of play (professional academy vs school) within English youth rugby union. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. Methods: A 2-season (2006-2007 and 2007-2008) study recorded exposure to training activities and time-loss injuries in male youth rugby union players (age range, 16-18 years) from 12 English Premiership academies (250 player-seasons) and 7 schools (222 player-seasons). Players from the Premiership academies, associated with the top-level professional clubs in England, represented the elite level of youth rugby; the school players were from established rugby-playing schools but were overall considered at a lower level of play. Results: There was a trend for training injury incidence to be lower for the academy group (1.4/1000 player-hours; 95% CI, 1.0-1.7) compared with the school group (2.1/1000 player-hours; 95% CI, 1.4-2.9) (P = .06). Injuries to the ankle/heel and thigh were most common in academy players and injuries to the lumbar spine and ankle/heel region most common in school players. The training activities responsible for injury differed between the 2 groups: technical skills (scrummaging) for school players and contact skills (defense and ruck/maul drills) for academy players. Conclusion: For injury risk management in youth rugby, coaches of school players should focus on the development of the correct technique during practice of technical skills such as scrummaging, weight training, and skills training, and coaches of academy players should consider the extent to which contact drills are necessary during training.

Examining the Development Environments of Elite English Football Academies: The Players' Perspective

As a preliminary investigation, we examined elite youth football academy players' perceptions of the quality of their development environment, at a crucial stage in their progression to the professional level. With institutional ethics approval, the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ) [1] was used to survey 50 elite players aged 16–18 (m 17.1, ± s = 0.6 years) recruited from the academies of Premier League and Championship clubs in England. Overall, the results suggest that elite player development environments are perceived to be of a good quality. However, while academies appeared strong in areas related to coaching, organisation, and sport-related support; they were somewhat deficient in areas related to athlete understanding, links to senior progression, and key stakeholder relationships. In addition to the importance of establishing well-integrated youth and senior teams and positive working relationships with parents; the findings underline the necessity for academies to pay close attention to the psychosocial environments they create for developing players. Theoretical considerations and applied implications for those involved in elite player development are discussed.

Seasonal Changes in Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics Within English Academy Rugby League Players

Professional rugby league clubs implement training programmes for the development of anthropometric and physical characteristics within an academy programme. However, research that examines seasonal changes in these characteristics is limited. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the seasonal changes in anthropometric and physical characteristics of academy rugby league players by age category (i.e., under 14, 16, 18, 20). Data were collected on 75 players pre- and postseason over a 6-year period (resulting in a total of 195 assessments). Anthropometric (body mass, sum of 4 skinfolds) and physical (10- and 20-m sprint, vertical jump, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test and 1 repetition maximum squat, bench press, and prone row) measures were collected. The under 14s and 16s showed greater seasonal improvements in body mass (e.g., under 14s = 7.4 ± 4.3% vs. under 20s = 1.2 ± 3.3%) and vertical jump performance than under 18s and under 20s. In contrast, under 18s and under 20s players showed greater seasonal improvements in Yo-Yo performance and 10-m sprint (e.g., under 14s = 1.3 ± 3.9% vs. under 20s = -1.9 ± 1.2%) in comparison to under 14s and under 16s. Seasonal strength improvements were greater for the under 18s compared with under 20s. This study provides comparative data for seasonal changes in anthropometric and physical characteristics within rugby league players aged 13-20 years. Coaches should be aware that seasonal improvements in speed may not exist within younger age categories, until changes in body mass stabilize and consider monitoring changes in other characteristics (e.g., momentum). Large interplayer variability suggests that player development should be considered on an individual and longitudinal basis.

Long-term soccer-specific training enhances the rate of physical development of academy soccer players independent of maturation status.

The aim of the study was to compare 3-year changes in physical performance between junior soccer players selected for an elite academy and age-matched controls. The 3-year changes in indicators of the physical performance were quantified in 12-16-year-old Premier League Academy (n=27) and non-academy soccer players (n=18). Data were analysed with an age-group×competitive level general linear model, covariate-adjusted for initial performance level and change in maturation. Covariate adjusted mean±SD changes were greater (standardised effect size>0.7) for the academy players in terms of countermovement jump (7.3±2.6 vs. 5.4±2.5 cm), 10 m sprint (- 0.15±0.05 vs. - 0.10±0.04 s), 20 m sprint (- 0.30±0.16 s vs. - 0.15±0.13 s), agility (- 0.19±0.01 s vs. - 0.08±0.08 s), repeated sprint (- 0.60±0.26 s vs. - 0.41±2.1 s) and intermittent endurance capacity (1 128±406 vs. 315±370 m). These data indicate that a 3-year programme of training in an elite soccer academy is associated with greater changes in physical performance indicators independently from the initial performance level of the child and change in maturation over the same period of time.

Initial identification & selection bias versus the eventual confirmation of talent: evidence for the benefits of a rocky road?

The relative age effect (RAE), whereby earlier birthdate children within a selection year are more commonly selected as talented, has been highlighted in the literature. As a consequence, these young athletes get into specialised training earlier and in greater numbers, leading (it is suggested) to a disproportionate opportunity for success. However, this disproportionality seems not to be manifest in senior teams. Accordingly, we examine the identification and conversion rates for academy rugby players, examining a sample of all players passing into and either graduating, or being dismissed from, a major English rugby academy. Data demonstrated a reversal of the RAE “benefit”, whereby late-birth players were less likely to be selected, but more likely to achieve senior professional status. Possible reasons are explored and, on the basis of our data, we propose a psychologically based explanation of greater “growth” due to additional challenge experienced by these initially disadvantaged younger players.

The impact of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on recovery after intensive, muscle damaging, maximal speed training in professional team sports players.

During congested fixture periods in team sports, limited recovery time and increased travel hinder the implementation of many recovery strategies; thus alternative methods are required. We examined the impact of a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device on 24-h recovery from an intensive training session in professional players. Twenty-eight professional rugby and football academy players completed this randomised and counter-balanced study, on 2 occasions, separated by 7 days. After baseline perceived soreness, blood (lactate and creatine kinase) and saliva (testosterone and cortisol) samples were collected, players completed a standardised warm-up and baseline countermovement jumps (jump height). Players then completed 60 m × 50 m maximal sprints, with 5 min recovery between efforts. After completing the sprint session, players wore a neuromuscular electrical stimulation device or remained in normal attire (CON) for 8 h. All measures were repeated immediately, 2 and 24-h post-sprint. Player jump height was reduced from baseline at all time points under both conditions; however, at 24-h neuromuscular electrical stimulation was significantly more recovered (mean±SD; neuromuscular electrical stimulation -3.2±3.2 vs. CON -7.2±3.7%; P<0.001). Creatine kinase concentrations increased at all time points under both conditions, but at 24-h was lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation (P<0.001). At 24-h, perceived soreness was significantly lower under neuromuscular electrical stimulation, when compared to CON (P=0.02). There was no effect of condition on blood lactate, or saliva testosterone and cortisol responses (P>0.05). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation improves recovery from intensive training in professional team sports players. This strategy offers an easily applied recovery strategy which may have particular application during sleep and travel.

THE PREVALENCE OF PATELLAR TENDINOPATHY IN ELITE ACADEMY RUGBY; A CLINICAL AND IMAGING STUDY WITH 12 MONTH FOLLOW UP

BackgroundPatellar tendinopathy (PT) is a challenging condition with variable outcomes. Injuries that are traditionally associated with training volume such as tendinopathies are less frequently reported in rugby but are likely...

Research Note: The relationship between fear of failure and self-talk in winning and losing situations

The purpose of this research was to explore the relationship between fear of failure and self-talk characteristics of elite academy football players in winning and losing situations. Fear of failure was associated with the use of more negative yet less frequent self-talk in losing situations only. Implications for coaches and sport psychologists working in academy football are considered.

Anthropometric and Physical Characteristics of English Academy Rugby League Players

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anthropometric and physical characteristics of English academy rugby league players by annual-age category (under 16s-under 20s) and between backs and forwards. Data were collected on 133 academy players over a 6-year period (resulting in a total of 257 assessments). Player assessments comprised of anthropometric (height, body mass, sum of 4 skinfolds) and physical (vertical jump, 10- and 20-m sprint, estimated V[Combining Dot Above]O2max via the yo-yo intermittent recovery test level 1, absolute 1 repetition maximum [1RM], and relative squat, bench press, and prone row) measures. Univariate analysis of variance demonstrated significant (p ≤ 0.05) increases in height, body mass, vertical jump, absolute, and relative strength measures across the 5 annual-age categories (e.g., body mass: under 16s = 75.2 ± 11.1, under 20s = 88.9 ± 8.5 kg; vertical jump: under 16s = 45.7 ± 5.2, under 20s = 52.8 ± 5.4 cm; 1RM bench press: under 16s = 73.9 ± 13.2, under 20s = 114.3 ± 15.3 kg). Independent t-tests identified significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences between backs and forwards for anthropometric (e.g., under 16s body mass: backs = 68.4 ± 8.6, forwards = 80.9 ± 9.7 kg) and physical (e.g., under 19s 20-m sprint: backs = 3.04 ± 0.08, forwards = 3.14 ± 0.12s; under 18s relative squat: backs = 1.65 ± 0.18, forwards = 1.51 ± 0.17 kg·kg) characteristics that were dependent on the age category and measure assessed. Findings highlight that anthropometric and physical characteristics develop across annual-age categories and between backs and forwards in academy rugby league players. These findings provide comparative data for such populations and support the need to monitor player development in junior rugby league players.

Injury incidence and balance in rugby players.

Objective : This study determined and correlated injury incidence and balance in rugby players. Methods: A prospective survey with balance testing was conducted on first year rugby academy players (N= 114). Injury incidence, static and dynamic balance were tested pre and post-season using a Biosway portable balance system. The data was analysed using paired and independent samples t-tests at p<0.05, Odds ratios, and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. Results: 75.50% participated, 71.40% were 18 years old, and 71.40% were White. Injury was sustained by 83% of players with the knee (25%) most commonly injured. Injury incidence was 1.52 per player with an injury rate of 5.95 injuries per 1000 match playing hours. The Stability Index increased significantly (p=0.03) by 15% in the medial/lateral direction post-season compared to pre-season. Significant differences in post-test anterior posterior and overall static and front and front right dynamic stability between injured and uninjured players were noted. Risk factors for injury included the scrum-half (14.80%) playing position, injuries in the 2nd half of the match (57%), and during contact (67%). Conclusion : Injury incidence was related to static and dynamic balance in forward right direction only.

Repeated sprint training in normobaric hypoxia

Repeated sprint ability (RSA) is a critical success factor for intermittent sport performance. Repeated sprint training has been shown to improve RSA, we hypothesised that hypoxia would augment these training...

The prevalence of patellar tendinopathy in elite academy rugby: A clinical and imaging study

Patellar tendinopathy (PT) is a challenging condition with variable outcomes. It is not commonly reported in rugby. This study was undertaken to evaluate the prevalence of PT in elite academy rugby. Cross-sectional study. Members of the rugby academies in Ireland were evaluated using blinded, standardised clinical examination, self reported questionnaires and ultrasound. Anthropometrics were examined, body mass and fat% were measured by bio-impedance. The Cincinnati Sports Activity Scale, established activity levels. The VISA-P scale evaluated symptoms. Ultrasound examination established tendon thickness, echogenicity and homogeneity including focal areas of tendinopathy in both transverse and longitudinal planes. Studies were reviewed and graded by two musculoskeletal radiologists. Statistical analysis was performed using PASW 18 and CIA software. Significance was set at p<.05. Thirty individuals (36.1%) had US abnormalities identified with 38 abnormal tendons. The abnormalities seen were microcalculi (44.7%; N=17), thickened tendons ± large areas of cystic degenerative change (26.3%) and macrocalculi or large hypoechoic areas (28.9%; N=11). Eleven individuals (13.3%) fulfilled the clinical diagnosis of PT based on clinical examination. Combining both US and clinical the prevalence of PT in this cohort was 9.6% (N=8). There was a statistically significant difference between the prevalence of patellar tendinopathy based upon US findings (p=.027) and the combination of both clinical examination and US (p=.044) in different training academies. This work shows that PT is a relatively common injury in elite academy rugby players and that training practices may contribute to its development.

Perceptions of Performance Analysis in Elite Youth Football

This study examined perceptions of performance analysis (PA) within elite youth football. More specifically, this study set out to investigate and examine perceptions of PA, and how it is perceived to impact upon players performances individually and collectively. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews, which were conducted with academy players, full time academy coaches, and performance analysts, associated with an English Premier League Academy team. The findings from this study suggest that within elite youth football, three areas are key considerations when thinking about video-based performance analysis: a) impact of video-based PA upon team and individual performance, b) video-based PA as a tool for reflection, and c) psychological implications associated with video-based PA.

Using physiological data to predict future career progression in 14- to 17-year-old Austrian soccer academy players

The crux of any soccer-specific talent identification programme is to determine early predictors of future playing success (Williams & Reilly, 2000). We compare physiological characteristics among 14- to 17-year-old soccer academy players in terms of subsequent career progression (‘drafted’ vs. ‘non-drafted’). In a longitudinal design (2001–2010), players passed through 10 fitness tests at four age levels: 14 (n = 410); 15 (n = 504); 16 (n = 456); and 17 years (n = 272). MANOVAs showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) superior performances for drafted players in all components (‘speed’, ‘power and flexibility’, ‘coordination and endurance’) and age categories. ANOVAs revealed significantly (P < 0.013) better performances for drafted players in almost all tests, with the largest effect sizes for shuttle sprint (η 2 = 0.07–0.09), 20 m sprint (η 2 = 0.04–0.05) and medicine ball throw (η 2 = 0.05–0.11). Follow up discriminant analyses confirmed that a combination of three variables correctly classified 62.7 to 66.2% of the players. Soccer-specific speed and power of upper limbs best discriminated future playing status, irrespective of age category. It is concluded that physiological measurements at adolescence can provide useful information in terms of predicting future career progression.

Identifying factors perceived to influence the development of elite youth football academy players

Based on the developmental theory presented by Gagné (2009), we examined the factors perceived to influence the development of elite youth football players at a critical stage in their progression to the professional level. Transcribed interviews with ten expert development coaches were inductively and deductively content analysed. Conceptualisation of the data revealed six interrelated higher-order categories that represented the factors perceived to either positively or negatively influence player development. These were: awareness (e.g. self-awareness, awareness of others); resilience (e.g. coping with setbacks, optimistic attitude); goal-directed attributes (e.g. passion, professional attitude); intelligence (e.g. sport intelligence, emotional competence); sport-specific attributes (e.g. coachability, competitiveness); and environmental factors (e.g. significant others, culture of game). In this investigation, awareness emerged as a fundamental and mediating element for understanding how young players are able to transition to the professional level. Collectively, the findings underline the multidimensional nature of talent development and suggest that an intricate combination of stage-specific factors must manifest for gifted young players to translate their potential into excellence. Mechanisms by which academies could be helped to shape the characteristics and conditions associated with effective development are discussed.

Thigh Muscle Injuries in Youth Soccer

Background: Participation in soccer at younger ages with attendant risk of muscle injury is increasing. Purpose: To delineate patterns of thigh muscle injury and predictors of recovery in male youth soccer academy players. Study Design: Cohort study (prognosis); Level of evidence, 2. Methods: Forty-one English Premiership soccer academy squads (all male, aged 8-16 years) over a 5-year period comprising 12 306 player seasons were studied prospectively for pattern, mechanism, and outcome after thigh muscle injury. Event analysis was used to identify independent predictors of slow recovery. Results: A total of 1288 injuries were recorded representing an incidence (mean [SD]) of 0.42 (0.24) per thousand hours of training with a mean annual incidence of 0.52. Midfield players received the most injuries, followed by defense and attack positions. The quadriceps muscle group was most likely to be injured. There were 345 reinjuries (27%). Median time off for a primary injury was 13 days (interquartile range, 7-22 days) and 12 days (7-21 days) following a reinjury. Risk of such injury increased as the game progressed toward the end of the first half period (P = .028), and this risk persisted throughout the entire second half. There were 2 peaks of incidence (January and September). The percentage of the total for hamstring, adductor, and quadriceps injuries did not significantly change with player age. However, the proportion of injuries that were severe increased with age of player (t = 3.72, P = .010). Poor prognostic factors for recovery were hamstring injuries (z = 2.182, P = .029), contact injury (z = −3.137, P = .002), and older age (z = −2.2298, P = .022). Conclusion: The risk for prolonged recovery from thigh muscle injury was found to increase with age of the player and contact mechanism. The risk of injury increased toward the end of the first half, and this risk persisted throughout the second half. Delayed recovery was significantly associated with a hamstring muscle injury, first injury, and contact mechanism. This study, for the first time, allows identification of youth male soccer players at high-risk for prolonged symptoms after thigh muscle injury.