Physical disparities in elite late-stage academy soccer players: An examination of demands across age categories in small-sided games

This study compares the physical demands between two age categories (U18 and U21) during different types of sided games (small, medium, and large) based on relative pitch area (RPA). Thirty-seven elite youth soccer players from two late-stage academy teams participated in small-sided games (SSGs) over 9 weeks. Distances covered at different speed intensities (total distance, high-speed running distance, and sprinting distance) and the number of accelerations and decelerations were analyzed. Multilevel analyses revealed significant differences in physical performance between age categories. The U21 team covered significantly more high-speed running and sprinting distances, while the U18 team performed more accelerations and decelerations. Large-sided games resulted in the greatest total distance, high-speed running and sprinting, while small-sided games produced the most accelerations and decelerations. The findings suggest age-related differences in physical performance, particularly in medium- and large-sided games, with older players covering greater distances at higher speeds. These differences may be due to biological maturation and could also be influenced by tactical behavior. This study contributes to understanding the physical performance variations among elite late-stage academy soccer players, emphasizing the impact of age category and game format. Insights into manipulating RPA are crucial for coaches to optimize training sessions and facilitate the physical transition between late-stage academy teams.