Does Relative Age and Biological Maturation Affect Performance Profiling Outcomes in Youth Football? | PSCJ | UKSCA

PSCJ

UKSCA's peer-reviewed Professional Strength and Conditioning Journal

Does Relative Age and Biological Maturation Affect Performance Profiling Outcomes in Youth Football?

16/10/2026

Lead author:
Connor Grant, Robert Gordon University
Co-authors:
Ryan Martin - Robert Gordon University & Aberdeen Football Club
Katherine Burgess - Robert Gordon University, Steven Curnyn - University of Bath & Scottish Football Association
Patrick Maughan - Robert Gordon University.

ABSTRACT

Performance profiling is widely used within youth academy football to assess current physical ability and future potential. However, physical performance may reflect temporary developmental advantages rather than underlying potential if relative age and biological maturation are not considered. Relative age refers to a player's chronological age relative to their squad's cut-off date, creating potential advantages of up to 11 months for early-born (Q1) players. Biological maturation can vary substantially between individuals, with skeletal age differences of up to 5–6 years possible within the same chronological age group. Failure to account for maturation may result in practitioners overestimating the physical potential of early developers whilst disregarding later-maturing players. This study aimed to determine whether relative age and biological maturation influence performance profiling outcomes in male youth academy footballers.

View PDF: Connor Grant.pdf

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