Biological maturation influences selection process in youth elite soccer players

• Main Authors: Marcelo Massa (Author), Alexandre Moreira (Author), Renato A. Costa (Author), Marcelo R. Lima (Author), Carlos R. Thiengo (Author), Walter Q. Marquez (Author), Aaron J. Coutts (Author), Marcelo S. Aoki (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: Termedia Publishing House, 2021-06-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.
• Notes: 0860-021X; 2083-1862; 10.5114/biolsport.2022.106152
• Keywords: relative age effect; hormones; anthropometry; strength; sexual maturity; Sports medicine; RC1200-1245; Biology (General); QH301-705.5
• Source: Biology of Sport, Vol 39, Iss 2, Pp 435-441 (2021)

This study examined the influence of birth date, salivary testosterone [sT] concentration, sexual maturity status, and general strength on the selection process of an elite Brazilian soccer club during a 12-month period, which was a 2nd phase of a 24-month selection process. The stature, body mass, sT, sexual maturity status [Tanner scale], and hand grip strength were assessed for 143 players during 2 weeks. From these 143 players, 100 players were dismissed [DIS] and 43 players were selected to integrate the club's under-14 squad. Following 1-year training period, the under-14 team was assembled with 9 players designated as starters [STA], and then, comparisons were conducted taking into account a group of non-starters (selected; SEL = 34 players) and STA (n = 09). The DIS, SEL, STA players, and reference population, were compared for birth distribution. A greater proportion of players was born in the first trimester in the STA [75.0%], SEL [57.1%] and DIS [50.0%] groups compared to the reference population [25.8%]. One-way ANOVA showed a higher sT for STA group [516.0 ± 129.9 pmol·L-1], compared to SEL [415.5 ± 117.9 pmol·L-1] and DIS groups [390.9 ± 84.9 pmol·L-1; p = 0.003), and Kruskall-Wallis test showed a higher gonadal development for STA compared to DIS [p = 0.001]. The current findings suggest a strong influence of birth date and biological maturation on young soccer players selection process. Soccer coaches should consider these influences when making decisions about player selection of elite youth players.