The internal and external loading differences between part-time (U16) and full-time (U18) elite English academy footballers

The aim of this study was to quantify and compare total loading (TL) of part and full- time elite English academy footballers over a 10-week period. Nineteen male youth players were categorised into their age groups; U18’s (17.7 ± 0.6 years) and U16’s (16.1 ± 0.4 years). Global Positioning Systems (GPS) and Session-Rate of Perceived Exertion (SRPE) were used to assess the external and internal measures of TL. The U18’s participated in 45 sessions as opposed to 30 for the U16’s. The U16’s (n = 48) had 22% more unexplained absences compared to the U18’s (n = 0). The TL was greater for the U18’s over a 10-week period. For the U18’s, Total Distance Covered was likely greater (54%; Moderate ES; ± 90% CL) and possibly greater for HSR (160%; Large ES; ± 90% CL) and SRPE (50%; Large ES; ± 90% CL). It was unclear if there was a difference in ACC and DEC between the ages. This study also assessed the intensities of two separate drills, session 1 (TS1) in respective age groups and session 2 (TS2) in mixed age groups. During TS1 and TS2 it was difficult to distinguish whether there were external loading differences between the age groups. Whereas, internal load was very likely greater (TS1, 18%; TS2, 22%; Large ES; 90% CL) suggesting that the U16’s perceived the drills to be harder than the U18’s. The main finding was that the U16’s had less compliance to sessions, indicating a variability in TL, which could put them at greater risk of injury. Practitioners must ensure that appropriate loading strategies are in place so that part-time players are prepared to step up to the demands of a full-time environment.