Is Weekly Training Load Associated With Match-Related Contextual Variables in Spanish Elite Young Soccer Players?

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Youth Soccer Performance
• Training Load Monitoring

Background:

• Monitoring weekly training load (WTL) is crucial for youth soccer players.
• The impact of contextual factors on WTL within a microcycle is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze how match-related factors (location, opponent) affect WTL in elite youth soccer.
• To compare WTL based on the number of training sessions per microcycle.

Main Methods:

• Collected training and match data from 46 elite youth soccer players.
• Utilized Global Positioning System (GPS) for external load variables (distance, speed, player load).
• Categorized training weeks by match location, opponent level, and microcycle length (3, 4, or 5 sessions).

Main Results:

• WTL, specifically sprint distance, was higher before away matches than home matches.
• Weeks with 3 training sessions (W3s) had significantly lower WTL than W4s and W5s.
• Weeks with 5 training sessions (W5s) showed higher WTL than W4s for total distance, player load, and power score.

Conclusions:

• Match location is a significant contextual factor influencing WTL in youth soccer.
• Training load planning must account for match location to manage player fatigue and recovery.
• Microcycle length also impacts WTL, with more sessions generally leading to higher loads.