Participación juvenil en el Torneo Clasificatorio de Fútbol de Primera División de Fray Bentos, Uruguay:

Jose Carlos Fernandez Garbarino

doi:10.46642/efd.v31i337.8675

Jose Carlos Fernandez Garbarino Universidad de la República (UdelaR) https://orcid.org/0009-0005-5279-2526

DOI: https://doi.org/10.46642/efd.v31i337.8675

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze the participation of youth players in the 2025 First Division Qualifying Tournament of Fray Bentos soccer. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, complemented by direct observation, the minutes played, positions occupied, and participation profiles of 36 youth soccer players were evaluated based on official records from the COMET System. The results provide useful evidence for clubs, leagues, and coaches when designing youth promotion policies. They revealed very limited youth participation, accounting for only 5.11 % of the tournament’s total minutes. Three integration profiles were identified (consolidated, transitional, and sporadic), with the latter being predominant among most players. Youth presence was concentrated in defensive positions, whereas central and attacking roles were mostly carried out by adult players. Significant differences were also observed between clubs, corresponding to institutional models that were structured, mixed, or restrictive. Overall, the findings show that youth insertion is limited, irregular, and poorly planned, highlighting the need for policies and structures that enable a more coherent and sustainable transition into adult soccer.

Keywords: Youth soccer, Transition to adult soccer, Youth integration models

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