Applicability and Psychometric Properties of a Football Playing Skills Test Instrument for Male Junior Players Aged 13-15 Years

This study aims to examine the empirical applicability of a Football Playing Skills Test instrument developed in 2025 for male junior players aged 16–18 years when applied to players aged 13–15 years. The study responds to the need for age-appropriate assessment tools with adequate psychometric support that reflect the developmental characteristics of early adolescent football players. Although a range of skill assessments is widely used in youth football contexts, empirical validation for specific age categories remains limited, particularly among players competing on comparable field dimensions and under similar tactical demands. A total of 168 male junior football players aged 13–15 years were recruited from football academies participating in the Soeratin Cup based on specific inclusion criteria relevant to the study objectives. The test instrument was administered using a test–retest design, and its empirical validity and reliability were examined through correlation analysis. The findings revealed strong empirical associations (r = 0.857) and high test–retest reliability (r = 0.787), indicating preliminary evidence that the instrument is applicable for assessing football-playing skills in this age group. These findings indicate that the test may serve as a practical assessment tool for male players aged 13-15 years within comparable competitive contexts. However, further research employing broader psychometric approaches and more diverse samples is recommended.