Multidimensional Performance Assessments in U15 Female Soccer: The Predictive Validity for Different Selection Levels...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Talent Identification and Development
• Football (Soccer) Research

Background:

• Female players are underrepresented in soccer talent research, with a lack of prospective studies on predictive validity for adult success.
• Existing research often overlooks multidimensional factors crucial for identifying and developing female soccer talent.
• Prospective studies are needed to validate performance metrics for predicting selection levels in female youth soccer.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the predictive validity of multidimensional performance factors for the future success of U15 female players.
• To compare the predictive power of objective versus subjective assessments in talent identification for female soccer.
• To identify key performance indicators for selecting players into higher levels of female youth and professional soccer.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 264 U15 female players in a German Football Association Talent Development program.
• Subjective assessments included kicking, tactical, and psychosocial skills, and endurance capacity.
• Objective assessments comprised five motor tests: sprint, agility (CODS), dribbling, ball control, and juggling.

Main Results:

• Both objective and subjective assessments showed predictive validity for future success across different selection levels (U17 Bundesliga, U17 Youth National Team, Women's Bundesliga).
• Combining objective and subjective predictors significantly increased explained variance for U17 Bundesliga (16%) and Women's Bundesliga (31%) participation.
• Sprint performance was significant across models, while tactical skills were the sole significant subjective predictor for Women's Bundesliga selection.

Conclusions:

• Multidimensional assessments, combining objective and subjective measures, are valuable for predicting female soccer player success.
• Sprint performance and tactical skills are crucial predictors for identifying elite female soccer talent.
• Enhancing coach ratings could further improve the accuracy of talent identification in female youth soccer.