Fitness and physical characteristics of Saudi youth football players: a comparative study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to gather an anthropometric and fitness dataset for young Saudi footballers and compare their characteristics to other populations. METHODS: The sample comprised male football players (N.=188) participating in an U17s Saudi football league (mean±SD age: 15.5±0.6 yrs.; height: 168.5±6.8 cm; BMI: 57.8±7.9 kg). Participants completed a battery of fitness tests to calculate their predicted maximal oxygen uptake (VO2peak); a vertical jump test; a 50m speed test; agility test. Anthropometric measurements included height, weight, body fat percentage, and BMI. These data were compared against previously reported data from age-matched players around the world according to playing positions using Z-scores. RESULTS: Goalkeepers and defenders were taller than other players (P<0.05), and forwards had higher BMI and triceps skinfold values compared to midfielders and defenders (P<0.05). No other differences in anthropometric characteristics existed between the participants. Defenders were faster than goalkeepers and midfielders in the 50-m speed test (6.85±0.38 vs. 7.22±0.59 and 7.13±0.48 s, respectively, P<0.05). Defenders and midfielders had a higher VO2peak than goalkeepers (47.6±5.1 and 47.7±4.9 vs. 42.8±5.2 mL/kg/min; respectively, P<0.05). None of the anthropometric measures could predict fitness characteristics in the participants. In comparison to players from around the world, Saudi players had lower body mass, (Z≤-1.98), more body fat (Z≥2.20), and lower predicted VO2peak (Z≤-2.56, respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Saudi defenders appeared to be more physically developed than other players, but had lower cardiorespiratory fitness compared to age-matched players from around the world; this could be due to inadequate training programs.