Relative age and biological maturity-related selection biases in male youth soccer across different competitive levels within a national association.
Liam SweeneyTommy R LundbergPublished in: Science & medicine in football (2024)
The lack of association between relative age and the estimates of biological maturity timing and the additional physical characteristics suggests that relative age and biological maturity are distinct constructs. We encourage critical examination of how associations select young players for national talent programmes; current practices significantly diminish the chances of selection for those who are late maturing and relatively younger.