Physical fitness of young and professional women's soccer players at the start of pre-season: transitioning from youth to professional levels

Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric profile and physical performance of female soccer players from the under-15, under-18, and professional categories during the pre-season. Methods: Seventy-five female soccer players participated: 20 under-15 players (aged 13.35 ± 0.75 years), 26 under-18 players (aged 15.69 ± 0.68 years), and 29 professional players (aged 21.48 ± 5.33 years). Assessments were conducted one week after the start of the pre-season, including tests for body mass, height, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump from 30 cm (DJ), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IRL1). Results: There were significant differences in anthropometric profiles, body mass, and height between groups (p < 0.001), with professional players being taller and heavier. No significant differences were found between the under-15 and under-18 players. Physical fitness was significantly higher in professional players compared to the younger groups (p < 0.001). Conclusion: This study identified that professional female soccer players have superior physical performance compared to under-15 and under-18 players at the start of the pre-season. It is recommended that professionals involved in the transition of young female soccer players to the professional level take these differences into account.