RT Journal Article
T1 Competitive anxiety, sports injury, and playing category in youth soccer players
A1 Sánchez Ruiz, Rafael
A1 Gil Caselles, Laura
A1 García Naveira, Alejo
A1 Arbinaga, Félix
A1 Ruíz Barquín, Roberto
A1 Olmedilla Zafra, Aurelio
AB Background: Adolescence is a critical period of physical, psychological, and social development, during which athletes are particularly vulnerable to stress and injuries. Competitive anxiety has been identified as a psychological factor that may increase injury risk; however, its role among young soccer players remains underexplored. Objectives: This study aimed to analyse the association between competitive anxiety and injury vulnerability in young male soccer players aged 10 to 15 years. Methods: A total of 322 male soccer players from youth categories (Alevin, Infantil, and Cadete) participated. Competitive anxiety was assessed using the Sport Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2), and injury data were collected via a self-reported questionnaire covering the 2024–2025 season. Descriptive, comparative, and correlational analyses were conducted using non-parametric tests. Results: A high incidence of injuries was observed, increasing progressively with age category. In the overall sample, injuries were associated with higher levels of Somatic Anxiety, as well as with age and sporting experience, variables also linked to increased Worry and reduced Distraction. When analysed by category, no significant associations between anxiety and injury were found in Alevin players. In the Infantil group, injury incidence showed a slight increase with age and experience, but no association with anxiety was detected. Among Cadete players, injuries were positively related to Somatic Anxiety and Distraction, highlighting the influence of psychological factors at this developmental stage. Conclusions: These findings underscore the relevance of competitive anxiety, particularly Worry and Distraction, as risk factors for injury in youth soccer. The implementation of preventive psychological interventions and ongoing monitoring is recommended to reduce anxiety levels and injury vulnerability, thereby promoting safer and healthier athletic development among young soccer players.
PB MDPI
SN 2227-9067 (electrónico)
YR 2025
FD 2025
LK https://hdl.handle.net/10272/27165
UL https://hdl.handle.net/10272/27165
LA eng
NO Sánchez-Ruiz, R., Gil-Caselles, L., García-Naveira, A., Arbinaga, F., Ruiz-Barquín, R. & Olmedilla-Zafra, A. (2025). Competitive anxiety, sports injury, and playing category in youth soccer players. Children, 12(8), 1094; https://doi.org/10.3390/children12081094
DS Repositorio Institucional de la Universidad de Huelva
RD 15 jul 2026