Abstract

Football is one of the most played and complex sports in the world, where players need technical, tactical and physical skills to succeed. Although its popularity compares to other sports at any age level, there is a lack of information on the technical, physiological and conditioning aspects of children players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the physical, muscular performance and speed of 12-year-old football players. Eighty-two footballers who were actively participating in the Albanian Children’s Championship participated in the study. Batteries for fitness testing: Standard height, body weight and calculated body mass index (BMI), speed (30m sprint), vertical jump, and rated lower body muscle strength (vertical jump) were the tests selected for to measure. Data were subjected to statistical analysis using the ANOVA method. Identifying the physical and physiological characteristics of football players provides insight into the physical and physiological qualities that are important to becoming a team member and playing successfully. The most important issue for the coach and football player is to determine the improvement of physical fitness through a well-modeled training programmer. Although anthropometric and physiological profiling is best seen as an objective tool for monitoring young player, physiological data may not be the only predictor of competitive success in football. On the other side, heritage in related physiological standards is an important prerequisite for success in football. Physiological standards play a crucial role in the selection of football talent.

Keywords:Soccer; Speed; Power; Physical characteristics; Anthropometric