Effect of Relative Age on Peruvian Soccer

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the relative age effect in the 2017 Peruvian National Championship and the effect of this phenomenon on the different tactical positions.

Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out, in which the birth of all players of the Peruvian National Championship were investigated through the Chi Square test.

Results: Most players (33%) were born in the first quartile, followed by 26% in the second, 22% in the third and 19% in the last quartile of the year. Only defense players had a higher birth rate in the first quartile of the year.

Conclusion: Peruvian soccer follows the world pattern of high-level soccer that is characterized by the selection of athletes born in the first and second quartile of the year. This selection process prioritizes the most physically developed athletes and focuses on the immediate results.

Key words: Football, effect of relative age, young athlete.