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The Influence of birth quartile, maturation, anthropometry and physical performances on player retention: Observations from an elite football academy
Patel, Rickesh Nevill, Alan Smith, Tina Cloak, Ross Wyon, Matthew
Patel, Rickesh
Nevill, Alan
Smith, Tina
Cloak, Ross
Wyon, Matthew
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2020-02-25
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Abstract
Understanding the factors that influence player retention within elite youth football can be used to enhance current practices. This study investigated an English Category 1 academy to determine if birth quartile, somatic maturity, anthropometric and physical performance characteristics are associated with player retention across the developmental pathway. Birth dates of 355 elite players from U11 to U21 groups were categorised into birth quartiles and logistic regression (odds ratio) analysis was used to determine differences in retention. Multilevel modelling compared somatic maturity, anthropometry, countermovement jump, sprint time (10 and 30 m), agility T-test, Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 or 2 performance between retained and dropout players. Logistic regression (odds ratio) analysis revealed no significant differences between birth quartiles for the likelihood of being retained across age groups. Multilevel modelling revealed that retained players were typically older, advanced in maturity, and superior in body size and physical performances compared to dropouts, with small to medium effect sizes typically observed. This study indicates that within a highly selective cohort of young football players, somatic maturity, anthropometric and physical performance characteristics, but not birth quartile, distinguish individuals that are subsequently retained or dropout in an age group dependent manner. Youth football organisations should seek to implement multidisciplinary and dynamic talent selection and retention strategies in order to prevent the inappropriate discrimination and loss of talented young players.
Citation
Patel, R., Smith, T., Nevill, A., Cloak, R. and Wyon, M. (2020) The Influence of birth quartile, maturation, anthropometry and physical performances on player retention: Observations from an elite football academy, International Journal of Sports Science and Coaching, 15(2), pp. 121-134.
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Journal article
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en
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This is an accepted manuscript of an article published by Sage in Journal of Sports Science and Coaching on 25/02/2020, available online: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/1747954120906507
The accepted version of the publication may differ from the final published version.
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1747-9541