Preparing young soccer goalkeepers for the next level: analysis of differences in physical performance between U17 and U19 age groups during match play

This study aimed to examine differences in the physical performance of goalkeepers between the U17 and U19 age groups during official match play while controlling for the contextual factors. Data were collected over a competitive half-season and included 12 matches from the U19 age group and 10 matches from the U17 age group. Physical performance was assessed using Global Positioning System-derived variables, including total and high-intensity running distance covered, number of high-intensity accelerations, number of total and high-intensity dives, dive load per minute, number of jumps, number of explosive efforts, and average time-to-feet. The main findings revealed that the total distance covered was significantly greater (Cohen’s d (d) = 1.16) in the U17 than in the U19 age group, indicating greater locomotor load at lower intensities during the match. In contrast, the number of total (d = 1.49) and high-load dives (d = 1.02) was significantly greater in the U19 than in the U17 age group. This indicates that the U19 goalkeepers experienced substantially higher mechanical load, particularly through a greater volume and intensity of diving actions. Training in this age group may benefit from increased emphasis on dive-specific mechanical loading, including progressive exposure to high-load dives and landing mechanics.