A multidisciplinary investigation into “playing-up” in academy football according to age phase

ABSTRACT

In an attempt to facilitate more appropriate levels of challenge, a common practice in academy football is to play-up talented youth players with chronologically older peers. However, the context of playing-up in academy football is yet to be empirically explored. Thus, the purpose of this study was to examine the multidimensional factors that differentiated players who play-up from those who do not. Ninety-eight participants from a single football academy were examined within their age phase: Foundation Development Phase (FDP; under-9 to under-11; n = 40) and Youth Development Phase (YDP; under-12 to under-16; n = 58). Drawing upon the FA Four Corner Model, 27 factors relating to Technical/Tactical, Physical, Psychological, and Social development were assessed. Following MANOVA analysis within both the FDP and YDP, significant differences were observed for Technical/Tactical and Social sub-components (P < 0.05). Further differences were observed for Physical and Psychological sub-components (P < 0.05) within the YDP. In sum, Technical/Tactical and Social characteristics appeared to differentiate those who play-up compared to those who do not within the FDP. In the YDP however, there were measures representing all sub-components from the FA Four Corner Model. Subsequently, it is suggested coaches and practitioners consider these holistic factors when playing-up youth football players within relevant age-phases.

KEYWORDS:

• Accelerated learning
• Elite youth football
• Expertise
• Talent identification
• Talent development
• Relative age effect

Acknowledgments

This research was co-funded by the University of Exeter, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, the Open Innovation Platform at the University of Exeter, and Exeter City Football Club Academy. Thanks to the players, parents, and staff at Exeter City Football Club Academy for their participation and support in this project.

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research was co-funded by the University of Exeter, College of Life & Environmental Sciences, the Open Innovation Platform at the University of Exeter, and Exeter City Football Club Academy.