Differences in Anthropometric Characteristics of Youth in Football Between Elite and Non-Elite Players

Abstract

Study purpose. This paper is about the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth football players in the Republic of Kosovo. Therefore, our current study aims to compare the differences in anthropometric characteristics between elite and non-elite youth players. The test was conducted with 132 young football players aged 14±0.5 years. Materials and methods. The sample was divided into two groups, namely 66 young players playing in the elite league and 66 young players playing in the non-elite league. The sample of variables consisted of 10 anthropometric measurements. The results of the measurements were analyzed using statistical procedures characterized by descriptive parameters and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results. The results show that the elite league players have higher values in height and body mass compared to the non-elite league players. It should be noted that the length of the left leg is also higher in the elite league players, while the waist circumference is higher in the non-elite league players. As for knee diameter, the values are identical in both groups. Subcutaneous adipose tissue is more pronounced in the non-elite group than in the elite league players. According to the analysis of variance (ANOVA), significant differences were presented only in the three variables such as the subcutaneous adipose tissue of the back, triceps and suprailiac between the elite and non-elite groups at the level (p<0.05), while no differences were presented in other variables. That is, between the elite and non-elite groups. Conclusions. In summary, the elite league players had better values in the anthropometric characteristics compared to the non-elite league players.