RELATIVE AGE EFFECT CREATES A DISCRIMINATION AND DROPOUT PANDEMIC IN YOUTH FOOTBALL: SHOULD EVERYONE GET THE SAME CHANCE?

The goal of this study was to determine the dropout rate and the difference between football players born in different halves of the year. This study involved 101 sub-elite football players (14.4±2.9 yr, 168.2±9.4 cm, 60.1±5.3 kg, 21.7±2.2 BMI) divided into three age categories and two sub-groups for each of them (U-11a/b, U-14a/b and U-19a/b). The difference between the sub-groups was assessed using the T-test for independent groups and the Mann-Whitney U test with statistical significance set at the p < .05 level. The 10, 20 and 30 m running tests, SJ, CMJ, CMJmax, T-test, 9-3-6-3-9, and Slalom agility tests were used. Statistical difference for U-11 group was obtained for the SJ (p = .002), T-test (p = .012) and 9-3-6-3-9 test (p = .002). In U-14 group the statistical difference is shown in all speed and explosive strength tests (p < .05). Body fat did not show a statistically significant difference between groups while body height, body mass and muscle mass differ at a statistically significant level (p = .017, .041, .0.46, respectively). Compared to younger groups, U-19 group showed a significant difference on T-test and 10 m running (p = .017, .037, respectively). The main limitation is that this is not a longitudinal study with a single group followed throughout the process. In conclusion, it would be desirable for everyone to get an equal chance due to the different speed of development in order to be competent. Further recommendations are to divide youth categories into two separate leagues so that everyone gets the same playing time.