Comparisons and associations among anthropometric indices of first and second division and assistant soccer referees.

Introduction: Body composition is an important predictor of performance and a key component of health and physical fitness. Therefore, the purposes of this study were to compare soccer referees of the first and second divisions and field assistant referees from Iran and to analyze associations of a body shape index (ABSI), body adiposity index (BAI), abdominal volume index (AVI), body roundness index (BRI), conicity index (ConI), and body mass index (BMI) with body fat percentage (%BF). Methods: A total of 270 male soccer referees from the first (n = 124) and second (n = 72) divisions and assistant referees (n = 74) participated in this study. Skinfold thickness (measured at the chest, biceps, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, iliac crest, and front thigh), height, weight, hip circumference, and waist circumference were assessed to evaluate waist-to-height ratio (WHtR), %BF, and also ABSI, BRI, BAI, ConI, and AVI according to the ISAK protocol. Results: The main results indicated differences in WHR, WHtR, ABSI, BRI, AVI, ConI, and BF% with the assistant referees presenting higher values (p < 0.05). When considering the backward selection model, there were some associations with %BF in each group, specifically BMI, BAI, and ABSI in the first division; BMI, WHR, and ABSI in the second division; and BMI in the assistant referee group (all p < 0.05). Discussion: The present study did not confirm the hypothesis that the first-division referees presented better body composition-related variables than the second division or assistant referees. Instead, it showed that the assistant referees that participated in both divisions showed a tendency to higher values which suggests that the level of division is not a major factor when analyzing body composition.

The effect of two sessions of combined jump and sprint training per week on fitness parameters in soccer players. A randomized controlled trial.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a combined jump and sprint training program, two sessions a week for 6 weeks, on sprinting, change of directions (COD) and jumping performance in semi-professional soccer players. Twenty soccer players were enrolled in this randomized controlled trial (age 20 ± 2 years, body mass 74.3 ± 5.9 kg). Players were randomized into two groups such as training group (TG, n = 10 players) or control group (CG, n = 10 players). Physical tests were performed before and after 6 weeks of training such as sprint 10 m, sprint 30 m, 505-COD test and standing long jump (LJ). The two groups performed the same training except for the combined jump and sprint training performed twice a week by TG. After 6 weeks of training, between-group analysis reported statistical difference in favor of the TG in sprint 10 m (p = 0.015, η2 = 0.295, large), sprint 30 m (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.599, large), in 505-COD (p = 0.026, η2 = 0.154, large), and LJ (p = 0.025, η2 = 0.027, small). These data indicate that combined sprint and jump training, when performed twice a week, for the duration of 6 weeks, in addition to the regular team training, can improve specific physical performance in male soccer players. This study has shown that a volume increment of 10% after 3 weeks of training can be a suitable training dose progression and that a combination of 64-70 jumps and 675-738 m of sprinting training per session can yield benefits in sprint, COD and jump performance.

The Genetic Association with Athlete Status, Physical Performance, and Injury Risk in Soccer.

The aim of this review was to critically appraise the literature concerning the genetic association with athlete status, physical performance, and injury risk in soccer. The objectives were to provide guidance on which genetic markers could potentially be used as part of future practice in soccer and to provide direction for future research in this area. The most compelling evidence identified six genetic polymorphisms to be associated with soccer athlete status (ACE I/D; ACTN3 rs1815739; AGT rs699; MCT1 rs1049434; NOS3 rs2070744; PPARA rs4253778), six with physical performance (ACTN3 rs1815739; AMPD1 rs17602729; BDNF rs6265; COL2A1 rs2070739; COL5A1 rs12722; NOS3 rs2070744), and seven with injury risk (ACTN3 rs1815739; CCL2 rs2857656; COL1A1 rs1800012; COL5A1 rs12722; EMILIN1 rs2289360; IL6 rs1800795; MMP3 rs679620). As well as replication by independent groups, large-scale genome-wide association studies are required to identify new genetic markers. Future research should also investigate the physiological mechanisms associating these polymorphisms with specific phenotypes. Further, researchers should investigate the above associations in female and non-Caucasian soccer players, as almost all published studies have recruited male participants of European ancestry. Only after robust, independently replicated genetic data have been generated, can genetic testing be considered an additional tool to potentially inform future practice in soccer.

Effect of High-Intensity vs. Moderate-Intensity Resistance Training on Strength, Power, and Muscle Soreness in Male Academy Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: McQuilliam, SJ, Clark, DR, Erskine, RM, and Brownlee, TE. The effect of high vs. moderate-intensity resistance training on strength, power and muscle soreness in male academy soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 37(6): 1250-1258, 2023-The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of high-intensity, low-volume (HRT) vs . moderate-intensity, and high-volume resistance training (MRT) vs . soccer training only (control group [CON]) on changes in strength, power, and speed and to compare delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) between groups in male academy soccer players (ASP). Twenty-two ASP (age: 18 ± 1 years) were assigned to HRT ( n = 8), MRT ( n = 7), or CON ( n = 7). High-intensity resistance training completed 2 sets of 4 repetitions parallel back squat (PBS) repetitions at 90% 1 repetition maximum (1RM), while MRT performed 3 sets of 8 repetitions PBS repetitions at 80% 1RM, both once a week for 6 weeks in-season, alongside regular soccer training. All groups completed the following pretraining and posttraining assessments: 3RM PBS, bilateral vertical and horizontal countermovement jumps (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), and 30-m sprint. Delayed onset muscle soreness was assessed using a visual analog scale throughout training. High-intensity resistance training and MRT experienced similar increases compared with CON in absolute PBS 3RM ( p < 0.001), SJ height ( p = 0.001), and CMJ height ( p = 0.008) after training. There was a greater increase in PBS 3RM relative to body mass after HRT than MRT and CON ( p = 0.001) and horizontal CMJ distance improved in HRT but not in MRT or CON ( p = 0.011). There was no change in 10-m, 20-m, or 30-m sprint performance in any group. High-intensity resistance training volume was 58 ± 15% lower than that of MRT ( p < 0.001), and DOMS measured throughout training did not differ between groups ( p = 0.487). These findings suggest that 1 HRT session a week may be an efficient method for improving strength and power in ASP in-season with minimal DOMS.

Determining the definition and components of successful soccer referee performance.

There has been little work examining the intricacies of what makes a soccer referee successful. The aim of this study was to determine what the definition of a successful referee performance is and what are the characteristics of a successful referee from a broad range of stakeholders in Major League Soccer (MLS) and the Professional Referees Organisation (PRO). The study used Delphi methodology to ask 6 MLS General Managers, 2 MLS Coaches,1 MLS League Officer, 4 PRO Referees and 10 PRO Assistant Referees, 8 PRO Staff and 5 PRO Assessors, and 2 PRO2 Referees two questions: 1. Their definition of a successful referee performance. 2. Their opinion on the characteristics of a successful referee. The result was a 7-point definition of a successful referee performance and 26 characteristics of a successful referee. There were ten characteristics that overlapped with previous work examining successful referees. This study was able to develop a definition of a successful referee performance and determine the characteristics of a successful referee.

Perception and application of flywheel training by professional soccer practitioners.

Growing evidence supports use of eccentric methods for strength development and injury prevention within elite soccer, yet uncertainty remains regarding practitioners' application of flywheel (isoinertial) methods. The aims of this study were to investigate how the flywheel training literature is perceived and applied by elite soccer practitioners, highlight gaps in knowledge and develop industry-relevant research questions. Fifty-one practitioners completed an electronic questionnaire. Fourteen Likert scale statements were grouped into topics: strength and performance; post-activation performance enhancement and methodological considerations; chronic strength; chronic performance; injury prevention. Three general questions followed, allowing more detail about flywheel training application. A Majority of the participants reported ≥ 2 years' experience of programming flywheel training. Nearly all participants agreed that familiarisation is needed. Practitioners agree that flywheel training can improve sport performance, strength and likelihood of non-contact injury outcomes. Most practitioners prescribe 2 weekly sessions during pre- and in-season periods. Flywheel sessions mostly consist of squats but a variety of exercises (lunge, hip hinge, and open kinetic chain) are also frequently included. Practitioners are mostly unsure about differences between flywheel and traditional resistance training equipment and outcomes, practicality of flywheel equipment, and evidence-based guidelines. The investigation provides valuable insight into the perspectives and application of flywheel training within elite soccer, highlighting its perceived efficacy for strength and injury prevention.

Mind the gap! A survey comparing current strength training methods used in men's versus women's first team and academy soccer.

PURPOSE: Much less is known about strength and conditioning (S&C) practice in women's versus men's soccer. The aim of this study was to compare S&C practice between coaches working in men's or women's soccer, at first team or academy level, worldwide. METHODS: A total of 170 participants, who were involved with S&C support at their soccer club (in Europe, USA and South America, within men's or women's first team or academy settings) completed a comprehensive online survey, designed to evaluate (i) their academic qualifications and S&C coaching experience; and their preferred methods for (ii) physical testing; (iii) strength and power development; (iv) plyometric training; (v) speed development; and (vi) periodization. RESULTS: Women's academies had fewer weekly in-season S&C sessions than men's academies (1.6±0.6 vs. 2.3±0.9, p=0.005). Relatively, fewer women's academy S&C coaches (6%) used Olympic weightlifting movements than men's academy S&C coaches (32%, p=0.030). Relatively, more women's academy coaches (47%) used the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) compared to men's academy coaches (15%, p=0.006), but relatively more women's vs. men's first team coaches (61% vs. 38%, p=0.028) and women's vs. men's academy (61% vs. 38% coaches, p=0.049) utilised rating of perceived exertion-based load prescriptions. CONCLUSION: Notable differences in S&C practice exist between coaches of men's and women's soccer squads, particularly at academy level. Fewer weekly S&C sessions in women academy players may have implications for physical development, while the greater use of subjective load prescriptions in both academy and first team women's squads may lead to sub-optimal performance gains.

The genetic association with injury risk in male academy soccer players depends on maturity status.

It is currently unknown if injury risk is associated with genetic variation in academy soccer players (ASP). We investigated whether nine candidate single nucleotide polymorphisms were associated (individually and in combination) with injury in ASP at different stages of maturation. Saliva samples and one season's injury records were collected from 402 Caucasian male ASP from England, Spain, Uruguay, and Brazil, whose maturity status was defined as pre- or post-peak height velocity (PHV). Pre-PHV COL5A1 rs12722 CC homozygotes had relatively higher prevalence of any musculoskeletal soft tissue (22.4% vs. 3.0%, p = 0.018) and ligament (18.8% vs. 11.8%, p = 0.029) injury than T-allele carriers, while VEGFA rs2010963 CC homozygotes had greater risk of ligament/tendon injury than G-allele carriers. Post-PHV IL6 rs1800795 CC homozygotes had a relatively higher prevalence of any (67.6% vs. 40.6%, p = 0.003) and muscle (38.2% vs. 19.2%, p = 0.013) injuries than G-allele carriers. Relatively more post-PHV EMILIN1 rs2289360 CC homozygotes suffered any injury than CT and TT genotypes (56.4% vs. 40.3% and 32.8%, p = 0.007), while the "protective" EMILIN1 TT genotype was more frequent in post- than pre-PHV ASP (22.3 vs. 10.0%, p = 0.008). Regardless of maturity status, T-alleles of ACTN3 rs1815739 and EMILIN1 rs2289360 were associated with greater absence following ankle injury, while the MMP3 rs679620 T-allele and MYLK rs28497577 GT genotype were associated with greater absence following knee injury. The combination of injury-associated genotypes was greater in injured vs. non-injured ASP. This study is the first to demonstrate that a genetic association exists with injury prevalence in ASP, which differs according to maturity status.

The Effect of a Single Session of Plyometric Training Per Week on Fitness Parameters in Professional Female Soccer Players: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT: Nonnato, A, Hulton, AT, Brownlee, TE, and Beato, M. The effect of a single session of plyometric training per week on fitness parameters in professional female soccer players. A randomized controlled trial. J Strength Cond Res 36(4): 1046-1052, 2022-As the interest and popularity of female soccer has increased over the last few decades, there still lacks research conducted with the elite population, specifically ecological training interventions during the competitive season. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 12 weeks (undertaken once a week) of plyometric (PLY) training on physical performance in professional female soccer players during the season. Using a randomized controlled trial design, 16 players were included in the current study (mean ± SD; age 23 ± 4 years, weight 60.3 ± 4.9 kg, height 167 ± 3.7 cm) and randomized in PLY (n = 8) and Control groups (CON, n = 8), respectively. Squat jump (SJ), counter movement jump (CMJ), long jump (LJ), single-leg triple jump distance test (triple jump test), changes of direction 505 test (505-COD), and sprint 10 and 30 m were performed before and after 12 weeks of PLY training. Significant within-group differences were found in triple jump test dominant (p = 0.031, effect size [ES] = moderate) and nondominant limb (p = 0.021, ES = moderate) and sprint 10 m (p = 0.05, ES = large), whereas the CON did not report any positive variation. However, neither group reported significant variation in SJ, CMJ, LJ, 505-COD, and sprint 30 m (underlining the difficulties in obtain meaningful variation in season). These findings have strong practical applications because this study showed for the first time that a single session a week of plyometric training can significantly increase sport-specific fitness parameters in professional female soccer players during the season.

Come Back Skinfolds, All Is Forgiven: A Narrative Review of the Efficacy of Common Body Composition Methods in Applied Sports Practice.

Whilst the assessment of body composition is routine practice in sport, there remains considerable debate on the best tools available, with the chosen technique often based upon convenience rather than understanding the method and its limitations. The aim of this manuscript was threefold: (1) provide an overview of the common methodologies used within sport to measure body composition, specifically hydro-densitometry, air displacement plethysmography, bioelectrical impedance analysis and spectroscopy, ultra-sound, three-dimensional scanning, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and skinfold thickness; (2) compare the efficacy of what are widely believed to be the most accurate (DXA) and practical (skinfold thickness) assessment tools and (3) provide a framework to help select the most appropriate assessment in applied sports practice including insights from the authors' experiences working in elite sport. Traditionally, skinfold thickness has been the most popular method of body composition but the use of DXA has increased in recent years, with a wide held belief that it is the criterion standard. When bone mineral content needs to be assessed, and/or when it is necessary to take limb-specific estimations of fat and fat-free mass, then DXA appears to be the preferred method, although it is crucial to be aware of the logistical constraints required to produce reliable data, including controlling food intake, prior exercise and hydration status. However, given the need for simplicity and after considering the evidence across all assessment methods, skinfolds appear to be the least affected by day-to-day variability, leading to the conclusion 'come back skinfolds, all is forgiven'.

The prevalence of disordered eating in elite male and female soccer players.

PURPOSE: To examine the prevalence of disordered eating (DE) in elite male and female soccer players and the influence of perfectionism. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional design, elite male (n = 137) and female (n = 70) soccer players and non-athlete controls (n = 179) completed the clinical perfectionism questionnaire (CPQ-12) and the eating attitudes test (EAT-26) to assess perfectionism and DE risk, respectively. RESULTS: Male soccer players had higher EAT-26 scores than controls (10.4 ± 9.9 vs. 6.8 ± 6.7; P = 0.001), but there were no differences in the prevalence of clinical levels of DE (EAT-26 score ≥ 20) (15 vs. 5%, respectively; X2 = 0.079) The proportion of females with DE risk was higher in controls [EAT-26: 13.9 ± 11.6 (25% of population)] than female players [EAT-26: 10.0 ± 9.0% (11% of population)] (X2 = 0.001). With linear regression, perfectionism explained 20% of the variation in DE risk in males (P = 0.001); in females, athletic status (player vs. control) and perfectionism were significant predictors of DE risk, explaining 21% of the variation (P = 0.001). Male reserve team players had higher EAT-26 (+ 3.5) and perfectionism (+ 2.7) scores than first-team players (P < 0.05). There were no differences in the prevalence of DE risk between the male and female soccer players (X2 = 0.595). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of DE risk was not different in elite male and female soccer players; in fact, the prevalence was greatest in non-athlete female controls. Perfectionism is a significant predictor of DE risk in males and females. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III, case-control study.

Feedback of GPS training data within professional English soccer: a comparison of decision making and perceptions between coaches, players and performance staff.

Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the perceptions of training data feedback from key stakeholders within the coaching process of professional soccer clubs. A survey assessed the importance of training data towards reflection and decision-making, potential barriers and player preferences.Methods: A total of 176 participants comprising coaches, players and performance staff completed the survey.Results: The training data coaches most commonly identified as wanting to see to support reflection was 'high-intensity' actions and variables recognised by the coach as 'work rate/intensity'. All stake- holders reported training data as at least somewhat important in guiding their coaches' practices, with lack of a common goal and high volumes of information being the main barriers to effective feedback of training data. Players deemed feedback as positive to change their behaviour, with total distance, high-speed running and sprint distances as the information they would most like to see. It would be likely to be looked at via message or pinned up in the changing room.Conclusion: Training data are seen as an impactful and effective tool for use by all key stakeholders. Despite this, its use can be optimised by increasing opportunities for informal reflection, using less information, and improving communication of data.

Changes in perceptions of mental fatigue during a season in professional under-23 English Premier League soccer players.

The present study assessed changes in academy soccer players' perception of mental fatigue (MF) across a competitive season, investigating the relationship between MF and other subjective measures of wellness. Ten players completed a modified Brief Assessment of Mood (BAM+) questionnaire that included the question: "How mentally fatigued do you feel"? on match-day (MD) and one (MD+1), two (MD+2) and three (MD+3) days post-match (35 matches). Players reported their MF, along with other subjective measures (sleep, muscle soreness, fatigue and motivation). Results found MF was elevated on MD+1 (43±1 mm) compared to all other days (all P≤0.001). Players reported lower MF on MD+1 in the late-season phase (34±2 mm) compared to both early- (50±2 mm, P≤0.001) and mid-season (46±2 mm, P≤0.001). This coincided with an 80%-win rate in the late-season phase versus the early- (33%) and mid-season (50%). There were very strong repeated-measures correlations between changes in MF and sleep (r=-0.77), muscle soreness (r=0.94), fatigue (r=0.92) and motivation (r=-0.89; all P ≤ 0.0005). In conclusion, MF was closely aligned to match success and other wellness variables. This data suggests a potential lack of sensitivity for identifying MF using a subjective questionnaire. Therefore, researchers and practitioners could work together to identify other ways of practically assessing MF.

The genetic profile of elite youth soccer players and its association with power and speed depends on maturity status.

We investigated the association of multiple single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with athlete status and power/speed performance in elite male youth soccer players (ESP) and control participants (CON) at different stages of maturity. ESP (n = 535; aged 8-23 years) and CON (n = 151; aged 9-26 years) were genotyped for 10 SNPs and grouped according to years from predicted peak-height-velocity (PHV), i.e. pre- or post-PHV, to determine maturity status. Participants performed bilateral vertical countermovement jumps, bilateral horizontal-forward countermovement jumps, 20m sprints and modified 505-agility tests. Compared to CON, pre-PHV ESP demonstrated a higher ACTN3 (rs1815739) XX ('endurance') genotype frequency distribution, while post-PHV ESP revealed a higher frequency distribution of the PPARA (rs4253778) C-allele, AGT (rs699) GG genotype and NOS3 (rs2070744) T-allele ('power' genotypes/alleles). BDNF (rs6265) CC, COL5A1 (rs12722) CC and NOS3 TT homozygotes sprinted quicker than A-allele carriers, CT heterozygotes and CC homozygotes, respectively. COL2A1 (rs2070739) CC and AMPD1 (rs17602729) GG homozygotes sprinted faster than their respective minor allele carrier counterparts in CON and pre-PHV ESP, respectively. BDNF CC homozygotes jumped further than T-allele carriers, while ESP COL5A1 CC homozygotes jumped higher than TT homozygotes. To conclude, we have shown for the first time that pre- and post-PHV ESP have distinct genetic profiles, with pre-PHV ESP more suited for endurance, and post-PHV ESP for power and speed (the latter phenotypes being crucial attributes for post-PHV ESP). We have also demonstrated that power, acceleration and sprint performance were associated with five SNPs, both individually and in combination, possibly by influencing muscle size and neuromuscular activation.

Free-Weight Resistance Training in Youth Athletes: A Narrative Review.

Generating high levels of muscular strength and power are important for success in sport and may have long-term implications for sporting careers in youth athletes. Importantly, maturation may confound the neuromuscular adaptations to resistance training when attempting to differentiate between training- vs. growth-induced strength and power gains; thus, potentially leading to erroneous conclusions regarding the efficacy of resistance training in youth athletes. The aim of this review was to critically appraise the literature concerning the efficacy of externally loaded free-weight resistance training on strength and power measures in youth athletes at different stages of maturity. Strength underpins power production; thus, developing strength through traditional resistance training methods can positively influence powerful sporting movements. In addition, weightlifting has the capacity to improve muscular power via explosive lower-body triple extension, which is essential for many sports. Despite the complexity of the techniques involved, it can be a safe and effective method to improve athletic qualities in young athletes, potentially more so than plyometric training. While low-load, high-velocity training can have a positive effect influence on high speed movements such as sprinting, the reduced intensity appears to be disadvantageous post peak-height velocity. Irrespective of age, well-coached progressive strength training adhering strictly to correct technique can then be periodised within a long-term athletic development program. It is important to primarily develop muscular strength, while concurrently refining the technical skill required for weightlifting. Physically mature athletes should undertake high-intensity resistance training to maximise neuromuscular adaptations, leading to positive changes in strength and power.

A season long investigation into the effects of injury, match selection and training load on mental wellbeing in professional under 23 soccer players: A team case study.

Abstract This study examined the influence of injury, match selection and training load on mental wellbeing (MW) in a squad of professional soccer players. Using a longitudinal design, twenty-five male soccer players (age, 20 ± 1 years, height, 1.80 ± 5.79 m, body mass 76.33 ± 7.52 kg) from the under 23 squad playing in the Premier League 2 division in the UK completed the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Scale (WEMWBS) each week of the 2017/2018 season (37 weeks in total). Injury and non-selection for the match squad were the only significant predictors of MW (P < 0.05). Injury had the biggest influence on MW that was lower when injured vs. not injured (43.6 ± 5.0 vs. 49.9 ± 3.5, respectively, P = 0.001, ES = 1.48), accounting for 40% of the variation in MW. This increased to 50% when not being selected to play games was also considered. Weekly training loads measured by GPS (total distance, sprint distance and total duration) and individual player win rate did not influence MW (P > 0.05). These findings highlight the importance of monitoring MW in professional soccer players and suggest that injured players and those rarely selected for the match squad should be educated on the strategies available for managing their mental health and wellbeing.

The independent effects of match location, match result and the quality of opposition on subjective wellbeing in under 23 soccer players: a case study.

This study examined if subjective wellbeing in soccer players was affected by match location, match result and opposition quality before a match (PRE), 1 day after (POST-1), and 3 days after a match (POST-3). Eleven professional male soccer players from the under 23 squad playing in the Premier League 2 division completed a wellbeing questionnaire before and after 17 matches. Match training load (session-rating perceived exertion) was not different, regardless of the location, result, or quality of opposition faced (P > 0.05). Subjective wellbeing was not different at PRE (P > 0.05); however, at POST-1 and POST-3, stress and mood were ≥20% lower after playing away from home or losing (P < 0.05). Stress, mood and sleep were ≥12% worse after playing against a higher-level opposition at POST-1. Coaches need to be aware that match location, match result and the quality of the opposition can influence post-match wellbeing, irrespective of match load.

Importance of Speed and Power in Elite Youth Soccer Depends on Maturation Status.

Murtagh, CF, Brownlee, TE, O'Boyle, A, Morgans, R, Drust, B, and Erskine, RM. Importance of speed and power in elite youth soccer depends on maturation status. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 297-303, 2018-Maturation status is a confounding factor when identifying talent in elite youth soccer players (ESP). By comparing performance of ESP and control participants (CON) matched for maturation status, the aims of our study were to establish the importance of acceleration, sprint, horizontal-forward jump, and vertical jump capabilities for determining elite soccer playing status at different stages of maturation. Elite youth soccer players (n = 213; age, 14.0 ± 3.5 years) and CON (n = 113; age, 15.0 ± 4.4 years) were grouped using years from/to predicted peak height velocity (PHV) to determine maturation status (ESP: pre-PHV, n = 100; mid-PHV, n = 25; post-PHV, n = 88; CON: pre-PHV, n = 44; mid-PHV, n = 15; post-PHV, n = 54). Participants performed 3 reps of 10- and 20-m sprint, bilateral vertical countermovement jump (BV CMJ), and bilateral horizontal-forward CMJ (BH CMJ). Elite youth soccer players demonstrated faster 10-m (p < 0.001) and 20-m sprint (p < 0.001) performance than CON at all stages of maturation. Mid-PHV and post-PHV ESP achieved greater BV CMJ height (p < 0.001) and BH CMJ distance (ESP vs. CON; mid-PHV: 164.32 ± 12.75 vs. 136.53 ± 21.96 cm; post-PHV: 197.57 ± 17.05 vs. 168.06 ± 18.50 cm; p < 0.001) compared with CON, but there was no difference in BV or BH CMJ between pre-PHV ESP and CON. Although 10 and 20 m and sprint performance may be determinants of elite soccer playing status at all stages of maturation, horizontal-forward and vertical jumping capabilities only discriminate ESP from CON participants at mid- and post-PHV. Our data therefore suggest that soccer talent identification protocols should include sprint, but not jump assessments in pre-PHV players.