The influence of age and maturity status on the maximum and explosive strength characteristics of elite youth female soccer players

Purpose: Research has characterised the strength characteristics of elite youth male soccer players, although little is known about female players. This study investigated the influence of age and maturity status on strength characteristics of elite youth female soccer players. Methods: 157 female soccer players (U16; n = 46, U14; n = 43, U12; n = 38, U10; n = 30), recruited from three elite female soccer academies. Linear mixed models were used to determine the difference by age or maturation on maximum and explosive strength characteristics. Results: Peak force (PF) was possibly and likely greater for older age groups; however, differences in relative PF were most likely trivial between consecutive age groups. Relative impulse at 100 and 300 ms was very likely greater at U12 than U10, likely and possibly less at U12 than U14 and most likely less and possibly greater at U16 than U14. Relative PF was likely less at pre-peak height velocity (PHV) than circa and circa than post-PHV. Relative impulse at 100 and 300 ms was most likely lower for pre-PHV than circa and pre-PHV than post-PHV, and possible greater at circa than post-PHV. Conclusion: Age and maturation impact upon PF and impulse; thus, practitioners should account for individual maturation status when comparing players. These data provide reference strength data for elite youth female soccer players, which can be used when monitoring player development