Comparison of Endurance and Speed Performance of Soccer Players in Different Divisions

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Abstract
This study aimed to profile the physical performance of soccer players from various competitive levels in Türkiye based on their 30-15 IFT and sprint test results. A total of 165 male players from different divisions and age categories voluntarily participated. The study included 165 male soccer players from seven competitive groups: 2nd Division (n=23), 3rd Division (n=38), RAD (n=40), U19 (n=18), U17 (n=16), U15 (n=14), and U13 (n=16). The mean (±SD) age, height, and body weight of the participants were as follows: 2nd Division players were 22.8 ± 3.7 years old, 1.81 ± 0.1 m tall, and weighed 73.5 ± 7.5 kg; 3rd Division: 25.2 ± 4.0 years, 1.79 ± 0.0 m, 72.8 ± 8.0 kg; RAD: 23.1 ± 4.8 years, 1.77 ± 0.2 m, 72.8 ± 8.2 kg; U19: 17.9 ± 0.2 years, 1.75 ± 0.0 m, 68.3 ± 6.6 kg; U17: 16.8 ± 0.4 years, 1.74 ± 0.1 m, 66.5 ± 5.6 kg; U15: 15.0 ± 0.0 years, 1.73 ± 0.1 m, 62.5 ± 7.1 kg; and U13: 13.0 ± 0.0 years, 1.58 ± 0.1 m, 50.0 ± 6.1 kg. The study assessed physical performance in soccer players using the 30-15 IFT and 30 m sprint tests. Results showed significantly higher 30-15 IFT performance in all groups except U13 (p 0.05), with no significant differences among the remaining groups (p 0.05). In the sprint test, senior-level players (2nd Division, 3rd Division, and RAD) outperformed younger groups, especially U13 (p 0.05). Among youth players, U19, U17, and U15 performed better than U13, but showed no differences among themselves (p 0.05). Overall, the 30-15 IFT is effective for evaluating aerobic and high-intensity running but limited for sprint-specific assessment, making it suitable for load monitoring in soccer training.Keywords: Aerobic, Anaerobic, Endurance, Running Economy, Sprint.

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