The relative age effect in the FIFA u17 world cup: differences in player positions, continental and tournament results

Resumo

The research group consisted of 504 male footballers from 24 countries participating in the FIFA U-17 World Cup organized in Indonesia in 2023. The footballers were divided into four categories according to their positions as goalkeeper (n:72), defense (n:163), midfield (n:150), and striker (n:119) and six categories according to their continents as Africa (n:84), Asia (n:105), Europe (n:105), North and Central America (n:84), Oceania (n:42) and South America (n:84). The statistical data used in this study were obtained from the official website of the International Association of Football Associations (FIFA) www.fifa.com and www.fifatrainingcentre.com. From these websites, data such as players' names and surnames, dates of birth, countries, continents, and positions they played were included in the study. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 23.0 package program and the statistical significance level was accepted as p<0.05. According to the findings obtained from the study, there were differences in the continents, countries, and positions played by the players according to both quarter and half-year birth dates. It can be said that coaches and scouts working especially for lower age groups should be aware of the relative age effect and consider the relative age effect when evaluating the abilities of athletes in the developmental stage. In addition, as stated in previous studies, it can be stated that as the chronological age progresses, the relative age effect decreases at A team levels and other factors come into play.