Mind the gap! A survey comparing current strength training methods used in men’s versus women’s first team and academy soccer

Figures & data

Table 1. Participant demographic data.

Group (n)	Job role	Years in S&C	Academic qualification (%)
Men’s first team n = 48	S&C/Fitness coaches = 61% * Sport scientists = 35% * Technical coaches = 4%	<5 years = 29% 6–10 years = 19% * >10 years = 52% *	BSc: 25% MSc: 44% PhD: 21% Other: 10%
Women’s first team n = 44	S&C/Fitness coaches = 84% Sport scientists = 9% Technical coaches = 7%	<5 years = 32% 6–10 years = 45% >10 years = 23%	BSc: 41% MSc: 36% PhD: 12% Other: 11%
Men’s academy n = 60	S&C/Fitness coaches = 55% * Sport scientists = 40% * Technical coaches = 5%	<5 years = 38% 6–10 years = 40% >10 years = 22%	BSc: 30% MSc: 53% PhD: 14% Other: 3%
Women’s academy n = 18	S&C/Fitness coaches = 88% Sport scientists = 6% Technical coaches = 6%	<5 years = 61% 6–10 years = 28% >10 years = 11%	BSc: 33% MSc: 56% PhD: 6% Other: 5%

* Different to equivalent in Women’s squad (p < 0.05)

Figure 1. The sets (A), repetitions (B) and training intensity (C) first team coaches prescribe to for strength training in-season.

Figure 2. The proportions of men’s first team (black bars), women’s first team (dark grey bars), men’s academy (light grey) and women’s academy (white bars) coaches, who incorporated these movement patterns/exercise types into their practice to develop strength and/or power with their soccer players. * difference between men’s and women’s academy coaches (p < 0.05).

Table 2. Time spent in specific strength and conditioning sessions during pre-season and in-season.

Group	Season phase	Weekly frequency	Duration (minutes)
Men’s first team	Pre-season	2.83 ± 1.14	48 ± 19
Women’s first team		3.18 ± 0.98 *	58 ± 16
Men’s academy		2.42 ± 0.80	48 ± 19
Women’s academy		2.13 ± 0.74	47 ± 16
Men’s first team	In-season	2.18 ± 0.81	44 ± 19
Women’s first team		2.26 ± 1.07	54 ± 16 *
Men’s academy		2.26 ± 0.90	47 ± 17
Women’s academy		1.56 ± 0.63 *	16 ± 17

* Different to the equivalent men’s team (p < 0.05)

Figure 3. The proportions of men’s first team (black bars), women’s first team (dark grey bars), men’s academy (light grey) and women’s academy (white bars) coaches who perceive their S&C practice to be restricted by facilities/equipment, potential muscle soreness following training, lack of time, other or no restrictions at all. Other consisted of; technical coach/player ‘preferences’, ‘training load’ and ‘fixture congestion’.

Data availability statement

The authors confirm that the data supporting the findings of this study are available within the article.