Introduction: The Relative Age Effect (RAE) could influence talent identification and playing opportunities in youth football. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of RAE and maturity status on competitive playing time in an elite football academy. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted looking at 172 cases of male youth football players (U12-U15). Although data were collected over two seasons (2023-2024 and 2024-2025), the analyses did not include between-season comparisons. Accumulated competitive minutes played across the season were analyzed using a linear mixed-effects model, and associations between the categorical variables were examined using the chi-square test. Results: The findings showed that none of the primary effects were statistically significant. The results suggest a trend in the expected direction; however, the effect was not statistically significant for status, (p = .057), and quartile, (p =.054). Late-maturing players were associated with a significant decrease in playing time (minutes) (p = .017). In contrast, being a defender (p = .035), and belonging to quartile 2 (p = .034) were linked to significant increases in playing time (minutes). There were more midfielders with late development (adjusted residual = 3.7), and more defenders with early development than expected by chance (adjusted residual = 1.98). Discussion: These findings suggest that both RAE and maturity status influence playing opportunities in elite youth football, highlighting the need for development-oriented competition structures.
© Copyright 2026 Frontiers in Sports and Active Living. Frontiers Media. Alle Rechte vorbehalten.