The main objective of this paper was to analyze the influence of age-category in vertical jump ability, sprint, agility and kicking speed in young soccer players.

A total of 36 soccer players of sub-elite level from an Andalusian soccer academic participated voluntarily in this cross-sectional study (age: 15.87 ± 1.43 years; body mass: 65.38 ± 10.84 kg; height: 1.71 ± 0.06 m). Body composition, vertical jump performance (CMJ), agility using the Balsom Agility Test, 5, 10, 20 and 30 meters sprint, and kicking speed with both legs.

Analysis showed that under-18 players obtained a greater performance in CMJ, agility and kicking speed than under-16 players. No significant differences (P ≥ .05) were found in the speed test, although a clear trend in favour of under-18 players was seen.

It is concluded that there are age-related effects on jump ability, agility, kicking speed and speed in young soccer players during adolescence, and that this association between different physical capacities is more influenced in soccer performance.