What effects does “FIFA11+ for Kids” have on the fundamental movements of child soccer football players?

This study aimed to examine the effects of incorporating "FIFA 11⁺ for Kids" as a warm-up (hereafter, W-up) for junior soccer football players.

Subjects were elementary school boys belonging to a local soccer football club. A comparison was made between the results of regular physical check tests (hereafter PCT) conducted on subjects, before and after the intervention. The PCTs were conducted approximately three months apart. Sixty-six students (8.2±1.5 years old) who incorporated "FIFA 11⁺ for Kids" into their W-up between the PCs were assigned to the intervention group, while twenty-eight students (7.2±1.6 years old) who did not incorporate it were assigned to the control group. The test items were in accordance with the new physical fitness test of Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), and included a 50-meter sprint, standing long jump, and ball throw. The times and distances for each item were measured. Additionally, the motions during the tests were video recorded, and each motion was scored (on a 5-point scale from 1 to 5) using a consensus-building method by at least three physiotherapists, based on the manual of the Sports Boy Scouts Movement Aptitude Test II. The intervention consisted of incorporating "FIFA 11⁺ for Kids" into the W-up (approximately 15 minutes per session) twice a week. During the interventions, multiple physiotherapists supervised the program, which was tailored to each age group and ability. The effects of "FIFA 11⁺ for Kids" were evaluated based on within-group (paired t-test or Wilcoxon signed rank test) and between-group comparisons (unpaired t-test or Wilcoxon rank sum test). Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS Version 29 with a significance level of 5%. The purpose, method, and content were explained to the subjects and their guardians, and the measurements were conducted with their consent.

In the results of the 50-meter sprint and standing long jump, significant improvements were observed only in the control group (11.0 seconds → 10.5 seconds, 125 cm → 132 cm). However, significant improvements in form were observed only in the intervention group. Regarding the throwing motion, both groups showed improvements in distance, but no differences in form were observed.

While the soccer-specific nature of the program had limited impact on the throwing motion, it likely had a positive effect on the improvement of form in running and jumping motions. The actual performance results may have been influenced by physical growth, therefore, further investigation into the effect of form improvement is needed.

One of the contributions sports physical therapists can make to junior sports is providing advice on acquiring proper form and designing exercise programs to achieve this. By evaluating the effectiveness of "FIFA 11⁺ for Kids" as an exercise program, we can further develop improved warm-up programs, leading to better performance outcomes.