Training Effects of the FIFA 11+ Kids on Physical Performance in Youth Football Players: A Randomized Control Trial

Objective: To analyse the training effects of the FIFA 11+ Kids on several parameters of physical performance in male youth football players. Material and Methods: Twenty-three youth players were randomised within each team into two groups (control vs. intervention). The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ Kids programme 2 times a week for 4 weeks; the control groups completed their normal warm-up routines. Thirteen physical performance measures (range of motion hip, knee and ankle joints, dynamic postural control measured throughout the Y-balance test, 20 m sprint time, slalom dribble with a ball, agility, vertical jumping height counter movement jump and drop jump, horizontal jump distance, accuracy when volleying a ball measured throughout the Wall Volley test) were assessed. All physical performance parameters were compared via magnitude-based inference analysis. Results: Significant between-group differences in favour of the FIFA 11+ players were found for dynamic postural control (anterior mean and 90% confidence intervals [CI = 1 cm, from -1.6 to 3.5 cm] and posteromedial mean and 90% CI = 5.1 cm, from -1.8 to 12 cm and posterolateral mean and 90% CI = 4.8 cm, from 0.6 to 9.0 cm distances), agility run (mean and 90% CI = 0.5 s, from -0,9 to 0 s), vertical jump height (counter movement jump mean and 90% CI = 3.1 cm, from 0.2 to 6.1 cm and drop jump mean and 90% CI = 1.7 cm, from -0.5 to 3.9 cm), and horizontal jump distance (mean and 90% CI = 2.5 cm, from -8 to 15 cm). The control groups showed better performance in 20 m sprint time (mean and 90% CI = -0.05 s, from -0.11 to 0.07) and wall volley tests (mean and 90% CI = 0.2, from -0.2 to 0.6) compared to the intervention group. Conclusions: The main findings of this study suggest that just 4 weeks of implementation of the FIFA 11+ Kids produces improved physical performance compared with traditional warm up routines in youth soccer players.