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Purpose This study aimed to profile in-season training load management across different age categories in elite Brazilian male youth footballers, and to compare differences between playing positions (external defenders, central defenders, central midfielders, external midfielders, and forwards) and load structure relative to match-day. Methods During the competitive season, data were collected from 43 players (175.8 ± 6.3 cm, 69.8 ± 8.1 kg) across three age groups (U15: n = 14; U17: n = 16; U20: n = 13), all from the same professional club. Positional data were collected using GPS devices during training sessions. A linear mixed model was used to compare age groups, training days, and positions, with ‘Athlete ID’ included as a random effect. Statistical significance was set at p p = 0.01; t = 6.52, p t = 5.92, respectively), while U20s performed more decelerations than U15s (p t = 2.81). Total distances were higher on MD–4 and MD–3, and lowest on MD–1 and MD+2 (p p p < 0.05). This greater external load is likely associated with position-specific demands, particularly overlapping runs and recovery sprints during both training sessions and matches.
Augusto et al. (Fri,) studied this question.