The morphotype in a group of peri-pubertal soccer players

Few morphological data are available for adolescent soccer players (SP), a lack that could affect young-age talent selection. In order to collect lacking data for SP, 50 performers aged 13.1 +/- 0.5 years old were checked in one of the main "vivariums" of talented "A League" SP. All subjects were measured according to the Heath/Carter anthropometric somatotype method and subsequently, the results were compared with those found in relevant literature for adolescents. To gain further insight, the sample was subdivided into two classes, according to their performance level: beginners (B, n = 26) and those experienced (E, n = 24). Between B and E subjects significant differences were found for: weight, abdominal skinfold, calf circumference, body density (0.05 < p < 0.01); height, tricipital skinfold, humerus biepicondylar width, ponderal index, LBW, endo and ectomorph components (p < 0.01). B somatotype resulted to be: 1.6-4.3-3.5; while E: 2.2-4.5-2.9. Both in E and B sub-groups the distribution of somatotypes according to their component dominance revealed to be rather similar, indicating a substantial homogeneity inside the subgroups. When compared with adult SP, the whole sample shows a morphotype that is already adapted for soccer. Observing this, it is possible to infer that our adolescent group contains the morphotype needed to perform well (and probably to excel), in the considered sporting activity.