To describe the physical fitness of a young athlete population grouped in two categories: maturity and specific positions.

We studied 95 players (13-16 years) belonging to soccer schools.

The variables used in this study were age, the specific position (center, defense, forward, goalkeeper), weight, height, maturity, the aerobic capacity, the maximum isometric strength of the upper arms, the maximum force, the explosive force and elastic-explosive of the lower body, speed in 30m (time), the rate of change of direction and agility and trunk flexibility.

Significant differences were found between normal and delayed maturity groups in: linear velocity, static force, maximum isometric force (right) and production of maximum rate of force. The same results and also significant differences in the variable flexibility were observed between delayed and advanced maturity groups. Significant differences were found between specific position (midfielders and forwards) in the static force variable.

(i) Advanced players (in maturity) scored better in physical fitness, (ii) the physical fitness evaluation at these ages does not appear to be appropriate to select soccer players, (iii) it seems important to include specific training for each position, (iv) it seems important to give more attention to goalkeeper training.