The effect of aerobic power on elite youth soccer selection
Date
2015-08-11
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
ORCID
Type
Degree Level
Masters
Abstract
Abstract
Soccer is a multifaceted sport requiring game-specific intelligence and particular physiological
and physical characteristics for success. Despite the wide variety of contributing factors, it has
been reported that youth soccer players who are larger in size, more mature, and have superior
aerobic power are favoured during team selection. The current investigation examined aerobic
power and anthropometric size differences between selected and not selected elite youth soccer
players; values were also compared between playing position and sexes. Twenty-three elite
soccer players, 10 males and 13 females, with an average age of 14 years were recruited for the
study; participants performed a graded treadmill test to exhaustion and a sport participation
questionnaire. Aerobic power results from the treadmill test were expressed in absolute (l/min)
and relative terms, to body mass and fat free mass (ml/kg/min & ml/kg FFM/min); values were
compared between selection status, playing position and sex. No significant differences were
detected for any measure of aerobic power or anthropometric size between selected and not
selected athletes when sexes were combined or separated (p>0.05); males had significantly
higher aerobic power levels compared to females despite scaling method (p<0.05). In females,
goalkeepers had a significantly lower absolute aerobic power (p<0.05), differences were not
detected when expressed relative to body mass or fat free mass (p>0.05). Males showed no
significant difference between playing positions in any measurement of aerobic power (p>0.05).
It appears as though Saskatchewan coaches view attributes, other than physical size and aerobic
fitness, as more beneficial for team success at this level. Results are encouraging as they suggest
that size and aerobic power may not be the main influencing criteria for achieving success on an
elite youth Saskatchewan soccer team.
Description
Keywords
Aerobic Power, youth athletics, soccer, sport selection, soccer talent
Citation
Degree
Master of Science (M.Sc.)
Department
Kinesiology
Program
Kinesiology