Elite Youth Football Research Articles

Science or Coaches' Eye? - Both! Beneficial Collaboration of Multidimensional Measurements and Coach Assessments for Efficient Talent Selection in Elite Youth Football.

Due to the tremendous popularity of youth football, practitioners in this domain face the ongoing question of the most effective solutions in early talent selection. Although the scientific community has suggested multidimensional models for some time, coach assessments and motor performance tests remain common. Earlier research has determined the strengths and weaknesses within these different approaches. The current investigation directly compared the effectiveness of each approach in talent selection (coach assessment vs. motor performance tests vs. multidimensional data). A sample of 117 youth football players, their parents, and coaches participated in multidimensional measurements in the U14 age category (coach assessments, motor performance tests, psychological characteristics, familial support, training history, and biological maturation). The area under the curve (AUC [95% CI]) from receiver operating characteristic indicated the prognostic validity of each approach in predicting U19 player status five years after the assessments (professional vs. non-professional). Motor performance tests (0.71 [0.58; 0.84]) showed a lower AUC than the multidimensional data (0.85 [0.76; 0.94], p = 0.02), whilst coach assessments did not differ from the two others (.82 [.74; .90]). Further, combined talent selection approaches, especially the use of coach assessments and multidimensional data together, were significantly better at predicting U19 player status (0.93 [0.87; 0.98], p = 0.02 vs. multidimensional data only). Although certain limitations may impede further insights (summation of data, skipped use of non-linear statistics), scientific claims for using multidimensionality within talent selection were confirmed to be fruitful. In particular, the combination of the subjective coaches' eye with scientific data may buffer the mutual weaknesses of these different approaches. Future research should focus on optimizing the output of promising multidimensional models. Knowledge of detailed values relating to specific dimensions within these models and the implementation of enhanced non-linear statistics may enable further improvements in the field of talent selection.

Sensitivity and reproducibility of a fatigue response in elite youth football players

ABSTRACTObjective:This study aimed to establish firstly, the sensitivity of subjective wellness, jump performance and triaxial accelerometer measures to training-induced fatigue and secondly, the reproducibility of this training-induced fatigue response.Methods: In 14 elite youth football players, morning assessments of subjective wellness (fatigue, sleep quality, muscle soreness, stress and mood), jump performance (countermovement jump height [CMJ], squat jump height [SJ] and drop jump contact time [DJ-CT], height [DJ-JH] and reactive strength index [DJ-RSI]) and triaxial accelerometer data (PlayerLoadTM (PL), the individual movement planes of PL (anterior–posterior [PLAP], mediolateral [PLML] and vertical [PLV]) and the percentage contribution of each component plane) were collected before (−24 h and immediately prior) and after (+24 h, +48 h) a standardised strenuous training session on two occasions in order to assess the reproducibility of a training-induced fatigue response. Sensitivity was assessed via the signal: noise (S:N) ratio of the changes in fatigue measures +24 h post training and the minimum detectable change for each measure.Results: DJ-RSI, PLML and %PLV were found to be sensitive measures of training-induced fatigue, which displayed a reproducible response (S:N > 1 on both occasions). CMJ, SJ and all subjective wellness measures were not able to detect a reproducible fatigue response.

An Exploration of the Experiences of Elite Youth Footballers: The Impact of Organizational Culture

The present study explored how the organizational cultural experiences of elite youth footballers shaped their identity development and behavior. The first author occupied the position of sport psychology practitioner-researcher within 1 professional football club over 3 years. Traditional ethnographic research methods were employed, including observations, field notes, reflections, and informal interviews. A cultural sport psychology perspective on identity as a social construction and research on the cultural characteristics of professional football were used as frameworks to make sense of the data. Despite the introduction of the Elite Player Performance Plan in 2012, the traditional masculine culture of professional football dominated the studied club. Creative nonfiction vignettes revealed that youth players were encouraged to develop their self-stories focused on a single-minded dedication to professional football. The limited identity-related resources offered at both club and cultural level are detrimental for players in terms of their well-being and long-term psychological development. From the results of this study, we suggest that future sports psychology practice within professional football may best be delivered at an organizational level. However, for sport psychologists to be effective in this role, they must develop an understanding of the subcultural features and characteristics of the organization. In line with this, there would be great value in introducing a focus on organizational culture within sport psychology professional training and education routes.Lay Summary: This paper explores the impact of the professional football culture on the psychological development of elite youth footballers. From the findings we suggest that sport psychology should be delivered at an organisational level.

The reliability of a modified 505 test and change-of-direction deficit time in elite youth football players

ABSTRACTChange-of-direction ability is an important performance skill in football. Consequently, several testing protocols are used to assess this component. This study assessed the test–retest reliability of a modified 505 test (M505) and the change-of-direction deficit (CODD) in elite youth football players. Data were collected from 110 players from the Under [u] 12–18 years age groups (u18 n = 26, u16 n = 26, u14 n = 39, u12 n = 19) within two English Premier League Category 1 Football Academies. Players completed the M505 twice in 7-days, and a 10-m sprint test for CODD calculation. Reliability was assessed with respect to chronological and biological age (according to PHV status). Typical error (%), minimal detectable change (MDC) (%) and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Typical errors in M505 were moderate to large (2.0–3.2%), while ICCs ranged from low to high (r = 0.26–0.82). Typical errors in CODD were moderate to large (7.1–12.0%), with low to high ICC’s (r = 0.19–0.79). MDC's were 5.5 to 8.9% in M505 and 17.7 to 33.3% in CODD. The typical errors and MDC's observed indicate that the M505 and CODD tests have limited practical utility in elite youth football players.

Monitoring the Climate: Exploring the Psychological Environment in an Elite Soccer Academy

Fostering a constructive motivational climate is an important contributor to an individual’s motivation (Ames, 1992a), yet research within elite sport remains limited. The purpose of this study was to use the task, authority, recognition, grouping, evaluation, and time—or TARGET—framework to explore the motivational climate in an elite youth football academy. Sixty-four academy training sessions were observed. Findings suggested that the task, authority, recognition, and evaluation structures are most important in predicting a mastery motivational climate. Task organization parameters and coach behaviors influential in promoting adaptive and less adaptive psychological environments are discussed.

Comparative effects of single vs. double weekly plyometric training sessions on jump, sprint and change of directions abilities of elite youth football players.

Plyometrics are widely implemented as training methodology for enhancing functional sports performance. Although several studies have analyzed the plyometrics effects due to training plans with a frequency of 2-3 times a week, few of them provided evidence supporting an equal efficiency of similar training programs implementing lower training frequency such as one training session a week. Twenty-one players (elite academy, Switzerland) were included in the current study (mean±SD; age 17±0.8 years, weight 70.1±6.4 kg, height 177.4±6.2 cm). This study used a randomised pre-post parallel group trial design. The participants were assigned to either a low-volume plyometric training group (LPG=10 participants) or a high-volume plyometric training group (HPG=11 participants). A long jump test, a single-leg triple hop test, sprint (10, 30 and 40 m) and 505 change of directions test were performed. Exercise-induced meaningful changes in performance for both LPG and HPG occurred after the training. LPG and HPG reported improvements in long jump (ES=1.0 and 0.77), triple hop right (ES=0.32 and 0.28), triple hop left (ES=0.46 and 0.32), 10 m sprint (ES=0.62 and 1.0). Both LPG and HPG are effective training modalities inducing benefits in jump and sprint tests for elite young football players. Fitness coaches and sports scientists could integrate their training plans with the protocols described in this study.

The effect of playing status, maturity status, and playing position on the development of match skills in elite youth football players aged 11–18 years: A mixed-longitudinal study

This mixed-longitudinal study examined the development of match skills in elite male youth footballers (aged 11–18 years), while considering the effect of playing status, maturity status, and playing position. Across two seasons, 126 elite male youth footballers were assessed in 1–10 competitive matches (401 player-matches). For each match, the on-the-ball actions of each player were recorded using a notation system. The match skills observed were frequencies of successful passes, on-target shots, dribbles, crosses, clearances, and tackles/blocks/interceptions. Multilevel Poisson analysis was used to model the development of players, with regard to each match skill. Modelling revealed significant (p < .05) age-related changes in the frequency of several match skills. That is, dribbles increased, on-target shots, crosses and tackles/blocks/interceptions decreased, whereas changes in successful passes were position-specific. Players retained by an academy performed more dribbles compared to released players (p < .05) (e.g. retained vs. released 18-year-old centre forward = 4.1 vs. 2.0 dribbles per hour), and retained defenders performed more tackles/blocks/interceptions than released defenders (p < .05) (e.g. retained vs. released 18-year-old, on-time maturing centre back = 12.5 vs. 10.2 tackles/blocks/interceptions per hour). Moreover, compared to on-time maturing players, early maturing players performed more tackles/blocks/interceptions (p < .05) (e.g. on-time vs. early maturing retained 18-year-old centre back = 12.5 vs. 15.2 tackles/blocks/interceptions per hour). Playing position affected all match skills (p < .05). The developmental profiles of match skills presented here may support experts in identifying and developing talented footballers across a wide age range, while considering the influence of maturity status and playing position.

The Occurrence of Repeated High Acceleration Ability (RHAA) in Elite Youth Football.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the occurrence of Repeated High-Acceleration Ability (RHAA) bouts in elite youth football games using 10-Hz GPS devices and two relative thresholds derived from players' actual maximal acceleration. Thirty-six outfield soccer players (age 14.9±0.6 years) participated in the study. Players wore 10-Hz GPS units during 41 official games. High accelerations were defined as efforts commencing above a threshold corresponding to 70% (T70%) or 80% (T80%) of the average 5-m acceleration obtained during a 40-m sprint test; RHAA bouts were defined as ≥3 efforts with ≤45 s recovery between efforts. Results were analysed via generalised linear mixed model and magnitude-based inferential statistics. On average, 8.0±4.6 and 5.1±3.5 bouts were detected in an entire game using T70% and T80%, respectively. When all positions were analysed together, there was a very-likely small difference in the number of RHAA bouts between first and second half for T70% and T80%, respectively. RHAA bouts occur frequently in elite youth football, with small differences between halves and between playing positions within the first or second half in most variables assessed.

Playing exposure does not affect movement characteristics or physiological responses of elite youth footballers during an intensified period of competition

ABSTRACTObjective: Investigate the effect of playing time on physiological and perceptual responses to six, 60 min matches played over five days.Methods: Thirty youth footballers (age = 14.1 ± 0.4 years; body mass = 57.4 ± 12.9 kg; stature 169.3 ± 7.7 cm) were grouped into low (<250 min; LPG, n = 18) and high (≥250 min; HPG, n = 12) match exposure groups and monitored daily for lower body power and perceived wellness. Match running demands were assessed using GPS technology in total distance (m ・min–1), low (<13 km ・h–1) and high (≥13 km ・h–1) speed categories. Data were analysed using hypothesis based testing and effect sizes (ES).Results: HPG performed moderately more total distance (103.7 ± 10.4 cf. 90.2 ± 19.7 m ・min–1, P = 0.03; ES = 0.74 ± 0.63) and high-speed running (26.7 ± 6.6 cf. 20.3 ± 6.5 m ・min–1, P = 0.01; ES = 0.87 ± 0.6) than LPG across all matches. Differences of a small magnitude were observed for lower body power (P = 0.08; ES = 0.59 ± 0.8) and perceived wellness (P = 0.09; ES = 0.42 ± 0.4) which were both higher in the HPG.Conclusions: Youth footballers appear well equipped to deal with intensified periods of competition, irrespective of match exposure.

Childhood football play and practice in relation to self-regulation and national team selection; a study of Norwegian elite youth players

ABSTRACTChildhood sport participation is argued to be important to understand differences in self-regulation and performance level in adolescence. This study sought to investigate if football-specific activities in childhood (6–12 years of age) is related to self-regulatory skills and national under 14- and 15-team selection in Norwegian elite youth football. Data of practice histories and self-regulatory skills of 515 youth football players selected at Norwegian regional level were collected and further analysed using multilevel analyses. The results revealed that high self-regulated players were more likely to be selected for national initiatives, and increased their involvement in peer-led football practice and adult-led football practice during childhood, compared to players with lower levels of self-regulation. While national level players reported higher levels of peer-led football play in childhood, the interaction effect suggest that the regional level players increased their involvement in peer-led play during childhood compared to national level players. In conclusion, the findings indicate that childhood sport participation may contribute to later differences in self-regulation, and highlights the importance of childhood engagement in football-specific play and practice in the development of Norwegian youth football players.

The elite player performance plan: the impact of a new national youth development strategy on injury characteristics in a premier league football academy

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to investigate the injury incidence and patterns in elite youth football at a category 1 Premier League Academy before and after the introduction of a new development strategy, the Elite Player Performance Plan (EPPP). A prospective study was performed over six consecutive seasons encompassing three years before and after the introduction of the EPPP. The findings revealed a most likely moderate increase in total exposure per player per season when the post-EPPP football exposure (640.86 ± 83.25 hours per player per year) was compared with the pre-EPPP football exposure (539.08 ± 71.59). The total injury incidence pre-EPPP was 3.0/1000 hours compared to 2.1/1000 hours post-EPPP (rate ratio 1.43). 6% of all injuries were re-injuries (20.24 ± 33.43 days) but did not result in a substantially longer absence (16.56 ± 15.77 days). The injury burden decreased for the U12-U15 from pre- to post-EPPP, whereas the injury burden increased for the U16-U18 (respectively 125 and 47% higher). These findings suggest that following the introduction of the EPPP there has been a reduction in injuries in the younger age groups U12-U15 but in the older age groups U16-U18 there has been an increase in the severity of the injuries sustained at this club.

Inclusive ideologies and passive performances: exploring masculinities and attitudes toward gay peers among boys in an elite youth football academy

Drawing on data generated from semi-structured, one-to-one interviews in 2012, this article focuses on the attitudinal disposition toward homosexuality of 12 English academy level football players aged 14–15. Results highlight the presence of progressive attitudes toward homosexuality even though some of the youth feel they lack the agency to contest homophobia when espoused in their schools. Using a blend of two dominating masculinities theories, we use these interviews to highlight that boys in this setting are best understood as a complex imbrication of inclusivity yet socially-passive acceptance. We suggest that boys of this age are now primed for learning agency to contest the social marginalization of others.

Development of pre- and post-match morning recovery-stress states during in-season weeks in elite youth football

ABSTRACTObjectives: The aim of this study was to examine how matches affect self-report measures of physical, mental, and emotional states in order to set a base for developing specific recovery approaches.Methods: A total of 25 players (Mage = 17.5, SD = .5 yrs.) of an U19-Junioren-Bundesliga team participated over the entire 6-month assessment period. The players completed the Short Recovery and Stress Scale twice a week on Monday and Friday mornings between 7 and 9am. During the assessment period the players participated in 12 match days.Results: Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed significant main effects for changes from Friday to Monday ratings in players who played more than 60 min (regular players) and less than 60 min (substitutes). The regular players were more physically and mentally stressed after matches whereas the substitutes experienced higher emotional stress when comparing Mondays’ and Fridays’ stress ratings.Conclusions: Therefore, matches affect those who played more than 60 min differently compared to those who played less than 60 min. This was the case not only for physical recovery-stress ratings but also for mental, emotional and overall self-reports. Consequently, coaches should take the self-ratings of their players into account to create efficient training regimens to prevent negative consequences such as underrecovery or overtraining.

Monitoring the effect of football match congestion on hamstring strength and lower limb flexibility: Potential for secondary injury prevention?

ObjectivesTo investigate the effect of competitive football match congestion on hamstring strength and lower limb flexibility. DesignRepeated measures. SettingElite male youth football. ParticipantsFifteen male elite youth football players from the national football association centre of excellence were included (age = 15.81 ±0.65 years, height = 171.95 ±6.89 cm, weight = 65.93 ±7.53 kg). Main outcome measuresHamstring strength and pain, ankle dorsiflexion, hip extension, knee extension and flexion range of motion. ResultsHamstring strength was highest at baseline and significantly reduced at 24 (p = 0.001, mean difference −0.19 Nm/Kg, CI95 −0.28, −0.1) and 48 h post-match 1 (p = 0.002, mean difference −0.16 Nm/Kg, CI95 −0.25, −0.07). Strength recovered by match day 2 before significantly reducing again 24 h post-match 2 (p = 0.012, mean difference −0.17 Nm/Kg, CI95 −0.29, −0.04). Pain was lowest at baseline and increased in the post-match periods (p < 0.05) with standardised effect sizes ranging from 0.07 to 0.42. Passive knee flexion range decreased post-match (p < 0.01) with mean differences of 1.5°–2.7°. The other flexibility measures remained unaffected by match play. ConclusionIsometric hamstring strength and pain can be considered for inclusion in-season to monitor player's post-match hamstring recovery characteristics during congested match fixtures.

Stroboscopic Visual Training: a Pilot Study with Three Elite Youth Football Goalkeepers

Stroboscopic visual training (SVT) is a recent tool aimed at improving visual and perceptual performance by having .individuals perform activities under conditions of intermittent vision. Research has shown it to improve skills such as visual memory (Appelbaum et al. Attention, Perception, & Psychophysics 74 1681–1691, 2012), anticipation (Smith and Mitroff International Journal of Exercise Sciences 5 344–353, 2012), and dynamic acuity (Holliday All Graduate Plan B and Other Reports 262, 2013), whilst the anecdotal evidence for its benefits is even greater (Athletic Republic NFL Players SEE SPORT BETTER with the Nike SPARQ Vapor Strobe [video file], 2011). The present pilot study is novel in SVT research in its inclusion of qualitative data collection methods and its use of participants. Three elite, youth football goalkeepers (EG) took part in a 7-week SVT programme, and their performance on 10 measures of visual and perceptual skills was compared with three matched control participants (CG). Individual, semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the EG participants prior to the post-test. In general, there were no differences in the changes from pre-test to post-test and retention test between EG and CG participants in 9 of the 10 measures. EG participants did, however, show consistent improvements in visual response time at post-test and retention test, whilst the CG participants did not. Thematic analysis of the interview data identified three themes: (1) the belief that SVT improved visual and perceptual skills, notably “reactions”, “judgement”, and “focus”, (2) the belief that SVT improved on-field goalkeeping performance, and (3) that SVT was both effortful and enjoyable. The present study provides preliminary work with implications for coaching in football goalkeeping and should be expanded with future studies that utilise larger samples and measures of motor/sporting performance.

The effects of football match congestion in an international tournament on hip adductor squeeze strength and pain in elite youth players

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a congested international tournament match schedule on adductor strength and pain in elite youth football players. Twenty-two male players (age: 15.53 ± 0.48 years, height: 174.87 ± 7.59 cm, weight: 67.45 ± 7.40 kg) were included. The 5-second adductor squeeze strength was captured daily using a hand-held dynamometer during a 7-game international tournament. Pain during the squeeze test was recorded using numerical pain ratings (0–10) to quantify groin pain. Sessional rate of perceived exertion (sRPE) was collected during the tournament. Adductor strength changed significantly during the tournament in relation to time (F(14,294.94) = 1.89, p = 0.027) and cumulative sRPE (F(1,314) = 5.59, p = 0.019). Cumulative sRPE displayed a negative relationship with strength (B = −0.008, SE = 0.0032, 95%CI = −0.014,-0.002). The results indicate that for every 100 match sRPE arbitrary units the squeeze peak force reduced by 0.8N. Sixteen (72.7%) players demonstrated clinically meaningful strength reductions (>15%) during the tournament. Match congestion impacts on hip adductor squeeze strength in male youth football players. A negative relationship between match sRPE and adductor strength exists. Player monitoring involving the 5-second adductor squeeze test can be captured effectively and is suitable to include as part of secondary injury prevention during or immediately after a congested tournament.

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

ABSTRACTPurpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of non-functional overreaching (NFOR) and overtraining (OT) in elite male and female youth football players.Methods: Two-hundred and forty-two youth football players (n = 138 boys and n = 104 girls) aged between 12 and 17 years completed a questionnaire to identify the occurrence of NFOR/OT and associated symptoms.Results: No players experienced OT. Significant sex differences for NFOR were found between girls 9% compared to boys 27% (P < 0.05). For players that experienced NFOR, 33% of girls and 60% of boys experienced multiple bouts. Compared to girls, boys completed higher volumes of football training (16.3 ± 4.5 versus 12.7 ± 5.7 h per week, P < 0.05), but training load was not a significant predictor of NFOR for either sex. In both sexes, NFOR was associated with tiredness, a lack of appetite, sore or heavy muscles, feeling in a bad mood, and feeling apathetic.Conclusion: Male and female elite youth football players engaged in high training volumes and experienced similar NFOR symptoms. However, there is a much higher prevalence of NFOR in boys and in those who have suffered previous bouts of NFOR.

No Place to Hide: Football Players' and Coaches' Perceptions of the Psychological Factors Influencing Video Feedback

The purpose of this two-part study was to examine the role of psychological factors within the delivery of video feedback in elite youth football. Interviews were conducted with 11 coaches and 12 players. A thematic content analysis yielded data relating to three general dimensions: (a) the psychological responses engaged during delivery; (b) the impact of using a range of delivery strategies; and (c) the impact of the delivery climate surrounding practice. The findings suggest that a greater appreciation of these factors would add significant value to the way coaches, sport scientists, and athletes currently use video technology for performance enhancement.

The influence of date and place of birth on youth player selection to a National Football Association elite development programme

ABSTRACTAim: This study sought to examine whether the place and date of birth of elite youth Irish footballers influences their selection onto the Football Association of Ireland's primary development pathway; 12 regional centres of excellences called the “Emerging Talent Programme” (ETP). The proposed hypothesis was that players born earlier in the year would be over-represented compared to those born later in their age band. A secondary hypothesis was that access to the ETP would be independent of place of birth. Methods: The dates and place of birth of all elite youth footballers (n = 1936) selected onto the ETP since its inception were examined. χ2 tests were used to establish if the dates of birth differed from the expected population distribution. Odds ratios were used to identify spatial variation in relation to place of birth and talent production. Results: The results showed that admission to the ETP is not independent of quarter of birth (P .05, χ2 = 256.817, w = .388). Place of birth analysis showed an unequal geographical distribution of players gaining selection onto the ETP. Selection onto the ETP was not independent of place of birth (P < .05, χ2 = 149.457, w = .278). Footballers developed in counties that had an ETP centre were almost 50% more likely to gain selection than those without a centre (OR 1.455, 95% CI 1.314 -1.612). Conclusion: The current programme demonstrates inequitable distribution of opportunities to access elite development pathways due to biases related to date and place of birth.

The Loughborough Soccer Passing Test has impractical criterion validity in elite youth football

ABSTRACTPassing ability is of great importance in the development of young football players. The Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT) was developed to assess short-distance passing ability under time pressure, in a controlled environment. While the test has strong discriminant validity and acceptable test–retest reliability, no information exists on its ability to predict passing performance during a game. The aim of the present study was to assess the criterion validity of the LSPT in elite youth football players. Twenty-four outfield male players from an U18 state-representative team performed the LSPT. Criterion measures of passing performance overall and in high-difficulty scenarios were provided by video analysis of the first eight subsequent games of a competitive season. Validity was quantified as Pearson’s correlations between the LSPT score (total and time-only) and the two criterion measures, adjusted for reliability of the criterion measures. The adjusted correlations ranged from 0.30 (90% confidence limits −0.17, 0.74) to 0.47 (−0.02, 0.97), representing impractical to very poor validity. No variable from the game video analysis in isolation (e.g., pass direction, pass location etc.) had a meaningful correlation with the LSPT scores. In conclusion, our results do not support the use of the LSPT as a valid test of in-game passing performance in this cohort of youth players.