Male Youth Soccer Players Research Articles

Injuries Following COVID-19 Infection in Academy-level Male Youth Soccer Players.

Injury epidemiology data are key to injury prevention strategy development. Most such data surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic compare team injury data during the pandemic to that before the pandemic; few investigate injuries by infection status and even less involve academy-level organizations. We hypothesized that in male youth developmental academy-level soccer players, the rate of injury would be higher following COVID-19 infection than in the uninfected. Retrospective cohort study involving 141 male youth athletes from a single midwestern US developmental soccer academy during the spring 2022 soccer season. Injury data was gathered prospectively and analyzed retrospectively. Injury rate (incidence per 1000 playing hours), type, location, severity, mechanism, and mode of play were compared between COVID-19-positive and -negative athletes. Thirty-four (24.11%) of 141 athletes tested positive for COVID-19. Of those 34, 20 (58.8%) sustained at least 1 injury, totaling 30 injuries. Of the 107 (75.89%) uninfected athletes, 30 (28.04%) sustained at least 1 injury, totaling 37 injuries. COVID-19-positive athletes sustained injuries at higher rates (7.10, 95% CI: 4.79-10.14) than uninfected athletes (2.71, 95% CI: 1.91-3.74), with an infected to uninfected adjusted injury rate ratio of 2.08 (95% CI: 1.20-3.59, P=0.008). COVID-19 positive players were 2.78 times more likely to sustain an injury following their infection than uninfected players (95% CI: 1.14-6.96, P=0.026). There were no significant differences in injury type (P=0.515), location (P=0.319), severity (P=0.679), mechanism (P=0.225), or mode of play (P=0.557) between groups. Among academy-level youth soccer athletes, injury rate increased significantly after COVID-19 infection; injury patterns were similar. II - Retrospective cohort study.

Effects of In-Season Velocity-Based vs. Traditional Resistance Training in Elite Youth Male Soccer Players

Effects of In-Season Velocity-Based vs. Traditional Resistance Training in Elite Youth Male Soccer Players

Physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance in youth male soccer players of different levels of competition

ABSTRACT This cross-sectional study examined the differences and associations regarding physical fitness, psychological characteristics, and game performance between elite (n = 64), sub-elite (n = 82), and non-elite (n = 97) youth male soccer players aged 16.2 ± 0.5 years. Physical fitness parameters were assessed using field tests, psychological characteristics were evaluated using validated questionnaires and technical – tactical data were recorded during a competitive soccer match using a multicamera, semiautomatic optical tracking system. Elite players demonstrated superior performance in cardiorespiratory fitness, countermovement jump (CMJ), 10 m sprint, and agility, compared to the sub-elite and the non-elite players. Also, the elite and sub-elite players had faster 40 m sprints than the non-elite players. Game performance was significantly better in the elite group than the other groups and was associated with coping with the adversity and coachability, tension-anxiety, anger-hostility, and fatigue-inertia subscales. Among the physical fitness parameters examined, only agility and CMJ were associated with game performance. In conclusion, elite youth soccer players performed significantly better in various physical fitness and psychological parameters and demonstrated a higher game performance indicator score compared to their sub-elite and non-elite peers. Results suggested that physical fitness and psychological parameters are essential predictors of game performance.

Effects of the number of ball touches among elite youth players during small-sided soccer games.

This study investigates the effects of manipulating the number of ball touches (free play vs. two touches) on the physical and technical actions of elite male youth soccer players during 5v5 + 2 goalkeepers (GKs) small-sided games (SSGs). Players played in two different SSGs: 1) free play, where the number of touches per possession was not restricted; and 2) two touches, where players were limited to a maximum of two touches per ball possession. A total of 24 male elite youth soccer players (age: 14.79±0.71 years; body mass: 56.02±1.41 kg; body height: 164±2.12 cm) participated in the study. Players' physical metric and technical performance data were captured using a global positioning system and video camera, respectively. A paired-samples t-test or Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test was employed to examine differences in players' technical performance variables depending on SSGs' ball-touch rules. The results show significantly more unsuccessful passes (t=-3.48; P=0.04; d=1.92) when players were limited to two touches than when there were no pass limits. The physical metrics indicate that total distance covered (Z=-2.90; P=0.001; d=0.07), meters per minute (Z=-3.44; P=0.001; d=0.11), low-speed running (Z=-2.25; P=0.02; d=0.04) and high acceleration (Z=-1.90; P=0.05; d=0.28) were significantly higher when touches were unlimited than when they were not. Soccer coaches should decide the number of touches per ball possession they allow depending on their tactical and/or physical objectives in training.

Do Different Playing Formats and Aerobic Capacity Influence Variances in Psychophysiological Demands and Technical Performance in Small-Sided Games? A Study among Under-17 Male Soccer Players.

This study aimed to: (i) analyze the variations in psychophysiological demands (mean heart rate, meanHR; rate of perceived exertion, RPE) and technical performance (umber of successful and unsuccessful passes, and occurrences of ball loss) between 2v2 and 4v4 small-sided games (SSGs) formats, and (ii) examine the relationships of aerobic capacity measured in Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test (YYIRT) on psychophysiological and technical performance during SSGs. This study used a cross-sectional design with repeated measures, where the same players participated in both 2v2 and 4v4 formats across two training sessions per format. Twenty-four talent/developmental male youth soccer players, aged 16.6 ± 0.5 years. The meanHR, measured through heart rate sensors, the RPE, assessed using the CR6-20 scale, and the number of successful and unsuccessful passes, along with occurrences of ball loss, recorded using an ad hoc observational tool, were evaluated in each repetition. Players during the 2v2 format had significantly greater mean HR (+4.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), RPE (+12.2%; p < 0.001; d = 2.258), successful passes (+22.2%; p = 0.006; d = 0.884), unsuccessful passes (+62.5%; p < 0.001; d = 1.197) and lost balls (+111.1%; p < 0.001; d = 2.085) than 4v4 format. The YYIRT was significantly and largely correlated with unsuccessful passes (r = 0.502; p = 0.012) and lost balls (r = 0.421; p = 0.041) in 2v2 format. In conclusion, this study suggests that engaging in 2v2 activities constitutes a more intense form of practice, significantly enhancing individual participation in technical aspects. Moreover, aerobic capacity may influence the smaller formats of play and how players perform key technical actions. Therefore, coaches must consider this to ensure the necessary performance in such games.

Anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of male South African youth soccer players.

This study comparatively investigates the anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics of male South African players by age group, competitive level and playing position. The sample consisted of 201 youth soccer players drawn from six sports academies in South Africa. Players were subjected to standardized protocols for anthropometric measurements (stature, body mass and body fat percentage) and physical fitness tests (flexibility, vertical jump, push-ups, sit-ups, muscle strength, agility, 30-m sprint and V̇O<inf>2max</inf>). A series of two-way analyses of variance was performed to determine the interactions between playing position (goalkeeper, defender, midfielder or attacker) or age group (13, under-15, under-17 or under-19) and competitive level (elite or non-elite). The results show significant interaction effects of agility, body fat percentage and sprint speed between the players' competitive levels and age group (P<0.05). No interaction effect was found between playing position and competitive level in any anthropometric or physical fitness variable (P>0.05). However, playing position exhibited significant main effects in the youth players' aerobic endurance and body mass (P<0.05). The results provide practical implications for tailoring position-specific conditioning regimes that optimize effective soccer performance.

Reference Values of Specific Physical Performances of Elite Youth Male Soccer Players: Taking into Consideration the Maturity Status

Reference Values of Specific Physical Performances of Elite Youth Male Soccer Players: Taking into Consideration the Maturity Status

Unlocking Male Youth Soccer Players’ Peak Performance Potential: Exploring the Impact of Maturation, Age, and Physical Demands on Neuromuscular Injury Risk and Recovery Following Competitive Matchplay

This study investigated the 7-day recovery period post-soccer matches in elite male academy players. We analyzed changes in physical performance, stretch-shortening cycle capability, landing mechanics, muscle damage, and perceived well-being while also considering the influence of players’ maturity status, chronological age, and physical demands on post-match responses. In a prospective, observational, mixed longitudinal study design, twenty-six players (U14 = 14 [age = 13.9 ± 0.2 y, and U16 = 12 [age = 15.1 ± 0.2 y]) undertook testing at baseline (1 h pre-match), immediately post-match (0 h), and 48-, 72-, 96-, and 120 h post-match for measures in creatine kinase (CK), urea (UR), CMJ height, 20 m sprint time, reactive strength index (RSI), leg stiffness (LS), landing mechanics, and perceived well-being. Players were also tested pre [168-h] and post the subsequent match. Results showed significant alterations 0 h post-match in CK (+71.3%), UR (+12.8%), CMJ height (−5.3%), 20 m sprint time (+3.8%), RSI (−9.6%), LS (−11.5%), and perceived well-being (−7.7%), with landing mechanics being unaffected. All parameters returned to baseline at 48 h, except for CK and UR, which remained elevated until 168 h. The players’ initial scores influenced how they responded after the match during the week. In conclusion, coaches should focus on post-match strategies to enhance muscle recovery, especially for youth players with a lower training status, given the extended recovery period observed for muscle damage markers.

Hip adduction and abduction strength values in elite-level male and female youth soccer players: A comparison between sexes, and across age-groups

ObjectivesTo report isometric hip adduction squeeze and abduction press strength values of elite-level youth male and female soccer players and examine if differences exist between sexes, and age-groups. DesignCross-sectional cohort study. SettingElite youth soccer academy. Participants102 soccer players (n = 64; male, n = 38 female) competing in the national youth soccer leagues from under (U) 14–19 years of age level (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19). Main outcome measuresIsometric hip adduction and abduction strength values were measured with a ForceFrame in various testing positions. ResultsIsometric hip adduction and abduction strength values are presented. Male U-17 and U-19 players demonstrated significantly greater (p < 0.05) absolute(N) and relative (N/kg) hip adduction and abduction strength than their female counterparts, with large (η2 = 0.068–0.227) and medium-to-large (η2 = 0.049–0.234) effect size, respectively. Significant differences in absolute strength, but not relative strength, were observed for hip adduction and abduction between male age-groups (U-14, U-15, U-17, U-19), with hip abduction strength differences only existing between U-14 and U-17 groups. No significant differences in hip strength were observed between U-17 and U-19 groups for female players. ConclusionMale youth soccer players have higher absolute and relative hip adduction and abduction strength than females at the U-17 and U-19 level.

Predictive Validity of Lower Extremity Muscle Strength, Strength Asymmetry, and Soccer-Specific Fitness for Talent Identification in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players: A Retrospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT This study investigates the predictive validity of lower extremity strength, strength asymmetry, and soccer-specific fitness in talent identification among elite male youth soccer players. Employing a Retrospective Cohort design, we established a cohort consisting of K-League registered youth players, totaling 219 individuals (all males, aged 16 ~ 17 years, in grade 2 of high school; equivalent to grade 11 in the US), with 38 progressing to the professional level and 181 not. Results from t-tests revealed significant differences between professional and nonprofessional groups for countermovement jump (CMJ; t = −2.423, Cohen’s d = −.448, p = .019) and change of direction with a ball (CODB; t = 2.202, Cohen’s d = .398, p = .032). CMJ demonstrated a significant correlation with the 30 m sprint (r = −.53, p < .001), and change of direction without a ball (COD) correlated with CODB (r = .52, p < .001). The robust Poisson regression, encompassing the interaction term of COD and CODB, produced an AUC of .73 (95% CI: .65 ~ .82).

Relation of general-perceptual cognitive abilities and sport-specific performance of young competitive soccer players.

In soccer, skill is significantly influenced by motor skills and physical constitution. In addition, perceptual-cognitive abilities are thought to affect sport-specific performance. Nevertheless, there are hardly any studies investigating the relationship of general cognitive abilities with sport-specific performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze relationships between general perceptual-cognitive abilities and soccer-specific performance in competitive youth sports. Thirty highly talented male youth soccer players aged 12-14years completed various perceptual-cognitive (selective attention, cognitive flexibility, inhibition, working memory, peripheral perception, and choice response) and sport-specific on-field tests. Cognitive abilities were assessed using a computer-based test system. Soccer-specific performance skills were evaluated by two sport-specific on-field tests. The relation between perceptual-cognitive abilities and soccer-specific performance was examined using a correlation analysis as well as a four-stage regression analysis. Overall, the expression of general perceptual-cognitive abilities was found to have an impact on performance in soccer-specific test situations, particularly cognitive flexibility and selective attention. Our results suggest that general cognitive tests could be an important tool for the evaluation of cognitive abilities in soccer. This study brings together key approaches in expertise research and makes a significant contribution to a better understanding of expertise in soccer.

The Effects of Volume-Matched 1- and 2-Day Repeated Backward Sprint Training Formats on Physical Performance in Youth Male Soccer Players.

Bouguezzi, R, Negra, Y, Sammoud, S, Uthoff, A, Moran, J, Behrens, M, and Chaabene, H. The effects of volume-matched 1- and 2-day repeated backward sprint training formats on physical performance in youth male soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-This study examined the effects of a 6-week, 1 vs. 2 sessions of volume-matched weekly repeated backward sprint training (RBST) on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Thirty male youth soccer players from a regional soccer team were randomly assigned to a 2-day group (n = 15; age = 16.40 ± 0.64 years; Maturity-offset = 2.19 ± 0.65 years) or a 1-day group (n = 15; age = 16.27 ± 0.51 years; Maturity-offset = 1.91 ± 0.40 years). Measures of jumping ability, linear sprint speed, change-of-direction (CoD) speed, aerobic endurance (AE), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) were measured before and after 6 weeks of training. The training interventions involved 1 to 2 sets, each comprising 7 repetitions over a 20-m distance of RBST in the 2-day group, and 2 to 4 sets, also with 7 repetitions each over the same distance, in the 1-day group. Statistical analyses were conducted using the analysis of covariance model with baseline measurements entered as covariates. Results indicated that RBST over 2 days generated greater benefits compared with a single day for improving CoD speed (∆4.91 vs. 0.04%; effect size [d] = 0.78 vs. 0.00, respectively), linear sprint speed (10-m: ∆4.74 vs. 0.36%; d = 0.96 vs. 0.00, respectively; 20 m: ∆3.34 vs. 0.82%; d = 1.00 vs. 0.49, respectively), and RSA performances (RSAbest: ∆2.61 vs. 0.29%; d = 0.71 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAmean: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.59 vs. 0.16, respectively; RSAtotal: ∆2.86 vs. 0.89%; d = 0.62 vs. 0.41, respectively). However, similar improvements in the 2 RBST formats were observed on jumping (2-day group: ∆6.9%; d = 0.75; 1-day group: ∆10.6%, d = 1.26) and AE performance (2-day group: ∆17.24%, d = 1.04; 1-day group: ∆27.25%, d = 2.25). In summary, the findings suggest that, when volume is matched, spreading the RBST regimen over 2 days may result in greater improvements compared with a single-day approach for enhancing CoD speed, linear sprint speed, and RSA performance.

The Effect of Traditional Strength Training on Sprint and Jump Performance in 12- to 15-Year-Old Elite Soccer Players: A 12-Month Controlled Trial.

Skratek, J, Kadlubowski, B, and Keiner, M. The effect of traditional strength training on sprint and jump performance in 12- to 15-year-old elite soccer players: a 12-month controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of traditional strength training on maximum strength (1 repetition maximum in front squat [FS] and back squat [BS]), jump (squat and countermovement jump), and linear sprint (LS) performance (5, 10, and 30 m) in elite young soccer players. A 12-month longitudinal design was chosen, and 48 elite male youth soccer players (age: 12-15 years) were included. The subjects were divided in 2 groups (a strength training group [STG] and a control group [CG]). The intervention group trained for 1 year over a competitive soccer season with additional sessions to their regular soccer practice (4 sessions per week), while the CG did not complete any additional sessions to the regular soccer training (4 sessions per week). The additional strength training (2 sessions per week [each approximately 30 minutes]) consisted of either parallel FS or BS. The squat variants switched in each session. Data were analyzed using a 2 × 3 (group × time) repeated-measures analysis of variance. The main findings of this study were that the STG resulted in significant pretest and post-test improvements in maximum strength (d = 3.75-5.58), jump (d = 0.84-1.14), and LS performance (d = -0.25 to 0.44), while for the CG, smaller increases or performance decreases were measured (maximum strength: d = 1.64-2.7; jump: d = 0.12-0.31; sprint: d = 0.00-025). A significant interaction effect in all variables indicated significant (p < 0.05) stronger performance improvements compared with the CG. Traditional strength training in elite youth soccer players is recommended to increase strength and speed-strength (jump and sprint performance) and should be considered in long-term athletic development programs.

Greater Psychophysiological Intensities in Conditioned Games May Impair Technical Performance: An Exploratory Study in Youth Male Soccer Players.

The aim of this study was 2-fold: (1)to examine the relationships between psychophysiological responses and locomotor demands with variations in technical performance during 2v2 and 4v4 conditioned games and (2)to compare psychophysiological and locomotor responses among players exhibiting higher and lower technical performance levels during the conditioned games. Twenty-four male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.8y old) participating at the trained/developmental level underwent monitoring for psychophysiological responses (including heart rate, rating of perceived exertion, and visual analog scale), locomotor demands (such as distance covered), and technical performance variables (including successful and unsuccessful passes and shots, as well as lost balls) across 2v2 and 4v4 formats. These formats were applied 4 times within a single session and were replicated twice over 2weeks. Large correlations between the number of lost balls per minute and mean heart rate were found in both the 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = .586 and r = .665, respectively). Successful shots were inversely and largely correlated with mean heart rate (r = -.518) in 4v4 games. The number of interceptions per minute was inversely and significantly correlated with the visual analog scale in 2v2 and 4v4 games (r = -.455 and r = -.710, respectively). The frequency of lost balls was significantly higher among players who attained a higher mean heart rate (2v2: +42.9%, P = .031, d = -0.965; 4v4: +57.1%, P < .001, d = -2.072). Coaches should be aware that highly psychophysiologically demanding scenarios may significantly impair technical performance. Therefore, prioritizing technical performance by deliberately adjusting the intensity should be considered.

Microdosing Plyometric Training Enhances Jumping Performance, Reactive Strength Index, and Acceleration among Youth Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Study Design.

Microdosing can facilitate better accommodation to the training stimulus while aligning with the scheduling needs of teams. In this study, the effectiveness of microdosing exposure was investigated by comparing the effects of microdosing plyometric jump training (microPJT) with those of regular plyometric jump training (regPJT) and a control group not exposed to plyometric training. The comparison focused on the effects on jumping performance, reactive strength index (RSI), and acceleration over a 10-meter distance. Fifty-two male youth soccer players (16.3 ± 0.6 years old) from under-17 teams participated in a randomized controlled study, with interventions lasting 8 weeks. Assessments were conducted twice, before and after the intervention, measuring squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), RSI during drop jumps, and acceleration in a 10-meter sprint test. The regPJT group completed 34 bilateral jumps and 48 unilateral jumps per week over two weekly sessions, totaling 82 jumps. Conversely, the microPJT group performed 17 bilateral jumps and 24 unilateral jumps weekly over 4 sessions week, totaling 41 jumps. Significant interactions between groups and time were observed concerning SJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.282), CMJ (p < 0.001; η2= 0.368), RSI (p < 0.001; η2= 0.400) and 10-m sprint time (p < 0.001; η2 = 0.317). Between-group analysis indicated that both the microPJT (p < 0.001) and regPJT (p < 0.001) groups exhibited significant better results compared to the control group in post-intervention evaluation of SJ, CMJ, RSI and 10-m sprint time, while no significant differences were found between experimental groups (p > 0.050). In conclusion, this study has revealed that both microPJT and regPJT are equally effective in enhancing jumping performance and acceleration time in soccer players. This suggests that a smaller training volume, distributed more frequently across the week, can effectively induce improvements in soccer players.

Assessment of Maximum Oxygen Uptake in Elite Youth Soccer Players: A Comparative Analysis of Smartwatch Technology, Yoyo Intermittent Recovery Test 2, and Respiratory Gas Analysis.

The maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max) is a critical factor for endurance performance in soccer. Novel wearable technology may allow frequent assessment of V̇O2max during non-fatiguing warm-up runs of soccer players with minimal interference to soccer practice. The aim of this study was to assess the validity of VO2max provided by a consumer grade smartwatch (Garmin Forerunner 245, Garmin, Olathe, USA, Software:13.00) and the YoYo Intermittent Recovery Run 2 (YYIR2) by comparing it with respiratory gas analysis. 24 trained male youth soccer players performed different tests to assess VO2max: i) a treadmill test employing respiratory gas analysis, ii) YYIR2 and iii) during a non-fatiguing warm-up run of 10 min wearing a smartwatch as recommended by the device-manufacturer on 3 different days within 2 weeks. As the device-manufacturer indicates that validity of smartwatch-derived VO2max may differ with an increase in runs, 16 players performed a second run with the smartwatch to test this claim. The main evidence revealed that the smartwatch showed an ICC of 0.37 [95% CI: -0.25; 0.71] a mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 5.58% after one run, as well as an ICC of 0.54 [95% CI: -0.3; 8.4] and a MAPE of 1.06% after the second run with the smartwatch. The YYIR2 showed an ICC of 0.17 [95% CI: -5.7; 0.6]; and MAPE of 4.2%. When using the smartwatch for VO2max assessment in a non-fatiguing run as a warm-up, as suggested by the device manufacturer before soccer practice, the MAPE diminishes after two runs. Therefore, for more accurate VO2max assessment with the smartwatch, we recommend to perform at least two runs to reduce the MAPE and enhance the validity of the findings.

Neurocognitive Performance, Vestibulo-Ocular Function and Postural Control in Youth Male Soccer and Basketball Players of Different Ages

Neurocognitive Performance, Vestibulo-Ocular Function and Postural Control in Youth Male Soccer and Basketball Players of Different Ages

Higher final speed in 30–15 intermittent fitness tests correlates with soccer's locomotor demands, not heart rate responses in small-sided soccer games

This study aimed to achieve two objectives: firstly, to analyze the relationships between aerobic fitness, as represented by the VIFT, and the heart rate and locomotor responses of youth male soccer players across various teams; and secondly, to compare players with lower and higher VIFT in terms of performance outcomes extracted during small-sided games (SSGs). A total of twenty-six youth male soccer players, aged 16.5 ± 0.32 years, with 3.4 ± 1.1 years of experience, voluntarily participated in the study. These players belonged to two regional-level tier 2 teams (trained/developmental). In the initial week of observation, the 30–15 Intermittent Fitness Test was implemented to measure the final velocity (VIFT) achieved by the players. Subsequently, the 5v5 format of play was conducted twice a week over two consecutive weeks, during which heart rate responses and locomotor demands were measured. The Pearson product-moment correlation test revealed a significant correlation between VIFT and the total distance covered during the 5v5 format (r = 0.471 [95% CI: 0.093; 0.721], p = 0.015). Conversely, small and non-significant correlations were identified between VIFT and mean heart rate (r = 0.280 [95% CI: − 0.126; 0.598]; p = 0.166), VIFT and peak heart rate (r = 0.237 [95% CI: − 0.170; 0.569]; p = 0.243), as well as VIFT and high-speed running (r = 0.254 [95% CI: − 0.153; 0.580]; p = 0.211). Players with higher VIFT demonstrated a significantly greater total distance, with a large effect size (+ 6.64%; p = 0.015; d = 1.033), compared to those with lower VIFT. Our findings suggest that improved performance in VIFT may lead to covering more distance in 5v5 matches. However, the lack of significant associations between VIFT and heart rate levels during SSGs suggests that they are not strongly correlated, possibly because VIFT is more closely linked to locomotor profile. As a practical implication, coaches may consider organizing players during SSGs based on their VIFT if the goal is to standardize locomotor demands.

Mapping talent pathways: A comparative study of developmental activities and practice structure in Brazilian and Spanish U-18 elite youth male soccer players

The purpose of this study was threefold: (1) to compare the engagement in various types and amounts of soccer activities during childhood and adolescence between Brazilian and Spanish elite youth soccer players; (2) to test what talent development pathway characterizes youth development in elite soccer in Brazil and Spain and (3) to compare the practice structure between elite youth soccer in Brazil and Spain. Participants were 131 U-18 elite male soccer players from Brazil ( n = 68) and Spain ( n = 63) competing in the national league. The Participant History Questionnaire was used to measure the soccer activities undertaken by players. Developmental activities were analyzed for two age periods: childhood (6–12 y/o) and early adolescence (13–15 y/o). In Spain, players started their involvement in practice and competition in soccer earlier compared to Brazilian players ( p &lt; .05). Brazilian players were more involved in structured activities, such as practice in soccer and futsal, and participated in a greater number of sports in childhood and early adolescence ( p &lt; .05). We found a very similar percentual practice structure (individual, pair, drills, group tactics and collective tactics activities) between Spain and Brazil, although Brazilian players accumulated a greater practice volume. It is concluded that Spanish and Brazilian U-18 elite youth male soccer players were differentiated by their milestones in soccer and their engagement in practice activities during childhood and early adolescence. Talent development pathway of male soccer players in Spain was characterized by the early engagement pathway, while the Brazilian system was characterized by the specialized sampling model.

Influence of contextual factors on match running performance of starters and non-starters in elite youth male soccer players.

This study investigated the effects of match location, quality of opposition (classified into: strong [1st to 4th position]; intermediate [5th to 15th position]; weak [16th to 20th position]), and match outcome on the match running performance of starters and non-starters from a top elite Brazilian soccer team. Absolute measures were calculated using total distance, high-speed (19.8-25.2 km·h-1), sprinting (≥ 25.2 km·h-1), total distance high-acceleration (> 2m·s2), and deceleration (< -2m·s2) were recorded by GPS units from a sample of young soccer players (N = 25) in a total of 17 matches. Relative measures were calculated by dividing absolute measures by the total duration of the matches. Non-starters covered greater total distance (p = 0.02), sprinting (p = 0.02), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.04), sprinting distance relative per minute played (p = 0.005), and high-acceleration and deceleration relative per minute played (p < 0.001) when the team plays at home, strong opponents, and wins the matches. Starters covered greater total distance in high-speed running (p = 0.04), high-acceleration and deceleration (p = 0.03), and high-speed running relative per minute played (p = 0.04) when the team plays strong opponents and wins the matches. These findings highlight the impact of contextual factors during matches on the locomotor performance of young soccer players.