Performance profiling of elite youth football players: the effects of age on performance

Currie, William (2018) Performance profiling of elite youth football players: the effects of age on performance. MSc(R) thesis, University of Glasgow.

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the whether the academy conformed to chronological
and/or relative age effects and the effects of maturation in a review of performance
tests. The data aimed to test whether relative age effects, are necessarily part of elite
team sports alongside providing the club with an appropriate strategy for predicting
physical performance. 93 elite male youth players (13.0 ± 1.9 years, 158.1 ± 15.7 cm,
48.7 ± 15.1 kg) spanning six squads, (U11, U12, U13, U14, U15 and U17) were
involved in the study. Performance was assessed via tests of lower body power (CMJ),
speed (10m and 20m tests), agility (505 test), and endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Within
each age category, participants were grouped based on their quartiles of birth and
maturity status was assessed via anthropometrics. Analysis revealed significant
differences between chronological age groups for all measured testing variables
(P<0.01). No significant differences were observed between the U11, U12 and U13
squads in CMJ, 10m and 20m sprint alongside 505 times (P<0.05). However, the U14
to U17 had significantly better test results, for all measures, in comparison to the U11s.
Significant differences in distance attained across all squads was only observed in the
Yo-Yo IR1. Significant difference was witnessed between pre, circa and post groups
(P<0.01). Circa-PHV and post-PVH groups produced significantly better results
compared to pre-PHV. Furthermore, significant differences were found between circaPHV
and post-PHV groups across 10m, 20m and Yo-Yo IR1 (P<0.05), however no
significant differences in 505 (P=0.13) and CMJ (P=0.26). Findings suggest the more
mature/older players outperform their less mature/younger counterparts. It was also
suggested that teams should compare players based on their maturational age rather
than their chronological or relative ages to remove any bias in physical stature.

• Item Type: Thesis (MSc(R))
• Qualification Level: Masters
• Subjects: Q Science > QP Physiology
• Colleges/Schools: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Life Sciences
• Supervisor's Name: MacFarlane, Dr. Niall
• Date of Award: 2018
• Depositing User: Mr William Currie
• Unique ID: glathesis:2018-8774
• Copyright: Copyright of this thesis is held by the author.
• Date Deposited: 19 Feb 2018 16:01
• Last Modified: 04 Apr 2018 07:43
• URI: https://theses.gla.ac.uk/id/eprint/8774