Journal article
A multifactorial comparison of Australian youth soccer players’ performance characteristics
International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.15(1), pp.17-25
2020
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Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the performance characteristics that discriminate Australian youth soccer players according to their academy status. A total of 165 youth soccer players participated in this study and were sub-divided into either an early adolescence (n = 92, age = 13.0 ± 0.6 years) or mid-adolescence (n = 73 age = 14.8 ± 0.6 years) group. Players completed multifactorial assessments of anthropometry, motor competence, physical fitness, decision-making and psychological traits. Statistical significance was set at p ≤ 0.05. Multivariate analysis of variance identified dynamic balancing ability (both age groups), object manipulation (mid-adolescence), lateral jumping ability (both age groups), linear speed over 5 m (both age groups), change of direction skill (mid-adolescence), intermittent aerobic endurance (mid-adolescence) and total response time on a decision-making assessment (early adolescence) to discriminate academy status. Interestingly, a binomial logistical regression showed that a 0.1 s decrease in sprint time (i.e. running faster) increased the odds of a player belonging to a tier one academy by 19% and 47% for early and mid-adolescent players, respectively. Overall, performance in the motor competence and physical fitness assessments were in favour of the tier one academy players. These findings are indicative of a potential selection bias in the Australian talent pool or a training effect whereby tier one academy programmes emphasise the development of physical attributes. However, future research is required to further substantiate this in a larger sample of youth soccer players from other playing regions within Australia.
Details
- Title
- A multifactorial comparison of Australian youth soccer players’ performance characteristics
- Creators
- Kyle JM Bennett (Corresponding Author) - Southern Cross UniversityAndrew R Novak - University of Technology SydneyMatthew A Pluss - University of Technology SydneyAaron J Coutts - University of Technology SydneyJob Fransen - University of Technology Sydney
- Publication Details
- International Journal of Sports Science & Coaching, Vol.15(1), pp.17-25
- Publisher
- SAGE Publications
- Identifiers
- 991012855700102368
- Academic Unit
- School of Health and Human Sciences; Human Sciences; Faculty of Health
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Journal article