Match Running Performance and Positional Demands of a U9 Female Soccer Team Competing in a Parks and Recreation-Sponsored League

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to describe the match play characteristics of female youth-athletes participating in recreation league U9 soccer via wearable Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Nine female youth soccer athletes (8.6 ± 0.9 years; all with 3-4 years of playing experience) were monitored during the study period. The athletes participated in approximately 2.5 hours of soccer-related training per week and two 48-minute 9v9 matches per week. The athletes were classified as Forwards (FWD), Midfielders (MID), or Defenders (DEF) by the coaching staff at the beginning of the spring season with 139 games analyzed. Estimated means for total distance, maximum velocity, sprinting, accelerations, and decelerations were 2943 [2715, 3171], 5.57 [5.36, 5.78], 3 [1, 8], 381 [336, 433], and 385 [345, 430], respectively. A statistically significant effect for playing position was found for total distance (p = 0.002), while no statistically significant fixed effect was present for maximum velocity (p = 0.301). Playing position did not have a statistically significant effect on sprints (p = 0.063), whereas statistically significant effects were present for both accelerations (p = 0.003) and decelerations (p < 0.001). U9 female soccer players at the recreational level suggest that players cover an average total distance of 2943m per match. Current investigation observed U9 female players attained maximal running velocities ranging from 5.17-5.85 m/s and experienced nearly 770 change of speed events per match, averaging 381 acceleration events and 385 deceleration events. This information may help sport practitioners develop age-specific training programs with a priority on long-term development.