Impact of contextual variables on youth soccer players: “Travel and playing away in A.F.A. youth tournaments”

Abstract

Introduction: Tucumán, a distinctive setting for the social development of individuals within the soccer environment, presents logistical deficiencies at the provincial level. Competition in the A.F.A. has marked a significant learning in this regard. This study seeks to explain how playing away influences players' performance. Materials and methods: The study followed a sequential explanatory design, collecting both quantitative and qualitative data through the action research method. The sample consisted of 16 players, 10 of whom were evaluated with GPS over the course of 14 matches, while another 10—6 from a club in Buenos Aires and 4 from Tucumán—participated in a questionnaire featuring open- and closed-ended questions administered via Google forms. Results: Quantitatively, significant differences were observed in the distances covered and actions performed, showing decreases of 8%, 17% and 12% respectively, when playing away. Qualitatively, all players (100%) expressed disagreement with playing immediately after traveling. In terms of match outcomes, 71% of games played away from home resulted in defeat. Conclusion: The findings indicate that playing away did not lead to a decline in physical performance; however, it did impact players' psychological perception. Analyzing the match results, it was determined that the defeats were not primarily due to physical deterioration but rather to other factors such as psychological and tactical strain.