Growth, maturity profile and peak vo2 of 11 year-old male soccer players

This study examined the relationship between body size, biological maturity, total amount of practice, and aerobic fitness of youth soccer players. The sample included 30 male soccer players aged 11 years old. Morphological variables (weight, height, sitting height and subcutaneous skinfolds), maturity (maturity offset, percentage of predicted mature height and skeletal maturity using the Fels method), quantity of annual practice and years of federate practice were considered. Assessment of aerobic power was obtained using a direct, maximal and progressive treadmill protocol. Data analysis considered general and comparative descriptive statistic. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was calculated in order to consider the association between aerobic power outputs and morphology, maturity and sport participation parameters. ANOVA was used to compare variables by tactical playing position and among maturity status groups. Significance was maintained in 5%. The maturity status-associated analysis classifies more subjects on time (53%) followed by early mature (27%) and late mature (20%). Subjects classified as early matures showed higher average results for the morphological parameters (excluding sitting height/standing height ratio), amount of playing minutes and absolute aerobic power, while maturity delayed subjects showed higher relative aerobic power marks. Results illustrate defenders as taller, heavier, higher in adiposity, with superior amount of playing minutes and better in absolute aerobic power. We found strong correlations between absolute aerobic power and weight (r=+0.90, p<0.01), height (r=+0.76, p<0.01), maturity offset (r=+0.80, p<0.01) and percentage of predicted adult height (r=+0.77, p<0.01).Moderate correlation between absolute aerobic power and amount of playing minutes (r=+0.34, p<0.05) was also found. Aerobic power seems to be associated with body size and maturity status. It seems that the process of sportive selection favours body size and maturity advanced athletes. Nevertheless, it seems at youth soccer coaches tend to select those players to defensive playing positions.