Relative age effect across the talent identification processof youth female soccer players in the United States: Influenceof birth year, position, biological maturation, and skill level
Laura Finnegan, Mirelle van Rijbroek, José M. Oliva‐Lozano, Rick Cost, Matthew Andrew
Abstract
Center (except Wide Forwards). The data identified a consistent RAE prevalence for Q1 players in early and on-time-maturers across all levels. An even birthdate spread was evident in YNT with a prevalence for Q4 players and a higher percentage of late-maturers than elsewhere in the TID process. Results reinforce evidence indicating RAEs still exist in soccer, yet show for the first time within a youth female soccer TID process, the influence of contextual factors on the prevalence of RAE. This information can be used to advance TID and development across the US soccer landscape.
Topics & Concepts
Position (finance)Identification (biology)DemographyBiological sexPsychologyBiologyEcologySociologyDevelopmental psychologyBusinessFinanceSports Performance and TrainingSport Psychology and PerformanceSports injuries and prevention