Mind the “Gap”: A Comparison of the Weekly Training Loads of English Premier League Academy Soccer Players in Under 23, Under 18 and Under 16 Age-Groups

The transition into full-time training represents a key period in the development of young soccer players. Here we compared weekly loads (matches, field-, and resistance-training) English Premier-League Academy players from under-16 (U16), under-18 (U18) under-23 (U23) age-groups during meso-cycle. Forty (U16 n = 13, U18 15 U23 12) were monitored using global navigation satellite systems differential ratings perceived exertion (dRPE). External load metrics total distance, high-speed running [absolute: ≥ 19.8 km/h, relative: 87% 30–15 final-velocity (vIFT)], sprint distance (absolute: 25.2 80% maximal speed), dynamic stress load. Internal dRPE loads. Other than relative overall external substantially greater for U18s U23s when with U16s [effect size range: 1.09–1.99 (moderate to large); ± 90% confidence limits ~ 0.45]. When U16s, internal [0.69–0.95 (moderate); 0.40], but not U23s. Differences between inconclusive. Substantial differences elite U16 their older counterparts, indicates need planned increases anticipation training.