Adolescent characteristics of youth soccer players: do they vary with playing status in young adulthood?

Adolescent characteristics of young adult soccer players (n = 35) were compared with those of youth teammates (n = 124) no longer involved in soccer. Former U-13 players active in soccer as young adults were slightly later in maturation and performed better in several functional and soccer skills than youth teammates. Former U-15 players active in soccer as young adults did not differ in maturity status from youth teammates but were chronologically older and performed better in agility and ball control. Young adult regional and national players in both age groups were rated significantly higher on the potential for success by their youth coaches, and national players were rated significantly higher than regional players. The results highlight the need for study of interactions among coaches, youth training and playing environments and the growth, maturity, functional, skill and behavioural characteristics of youth players, and how these interactions may influence persistence in soccer and later playing status.