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

Monitoring weekly training load (WTL) is essential in youth soccer; however, the influence of contextual factors on WTL during the microcycle remains unclear.

The aim of this study was to (1) analyze the effect of match-related contextual factors, such as match location, and opponent standard on WTL in elite youth soccer players across a competitive season, and (2) compare session and WTLs according to the number of training sessions per microcycle.

Training and match data were collected from 46 male soccer players of a Spanish First Division academy. External load variables were obtained using Global Positioning System, including total distance covered, high-speed distance (>18 km·h-1), sprint distance (>21 km·h-1), the number of high metabolic load efforts (>20 W·Kg-1), and player load. Training weeks were categorized based on contextual factors, such as match location, opponent level, and the number of training sessions in the microcycle (3, 4, or 5 sessions per week, W3s, W4s, W5s, respectively).

WTL significantly increased (P < .05) in sprint distance weeks before playing away compared with playing at home. In reference to the length of the microcycle, W3s showed a significant decrease (P < .01) in WTL than W4s and W5s in all metrics. Additionally, W5s had significantly greater WTL for total distance covered, player load, and power score than W4s (P < .01).

Match location was the only contextual factor affecting WTL, highlighting the importance of considering its impact when planning training load, as it may influence recovery, fatigue, and overall training strategies.