Relative Age Effect is the systematic exclusion of groups of players, some of which may be highly talented. It is evident in most Talented Player programs around the world that there is a decreased frequency in birth dates of players from January through to December.

This is highly evident in football, where performance is highly correlated with AGE and MATURITY. As size, speed and coordination are highly correlated with age, older players within the group, on average, show superior performance.

BUT ARE THEY MORE TALENTED??????

Therefore, “Maturity” has been mistaken for “ability” by coaches and Talent ID personnel.

As a result there is an increased drop out rate amongst those players disadvantaged by age ie born latter part of year.

In 2005 Turkey won the UEFA U/17 Championship. 50% of the squad was born in the first 3 months and with a total of 75% born in the first 6 months. Only 10% were born between October and December.

The UEFA U/17 Championship ALL STAR team comprised of 50% first 3 months (30% born January) and 90% born in first 6 months. Interestingly there were no players born in the last 3 months!!

To further confirm RAE, Mexico won the 2005 FIFA world Cup with 55% born in first 3 months and a staggering 95% born in first 6 months.
The same trends exist in State and under age National squads in Australia.

Interestingly the reverse can be said for the 2006 Socceroo squad who competed at the World Cup in Germany.   43% of players in the squad were born in the last 3 months of the year. This is known as “Negative RAE”. It is attributed to very talented youngsters having to push themselves and play above themselves to keep up with older kids throughout their lives. This work ethic has remained with them throughout their career, leading them to stay ahead of their peers.

The RAE is greatest at young ages ie 14 – 15 and decreases as age and abilities increase. The estimated loss of the talent pool is around 42% at the 14 – 15 age group.

The Elite Football Academy and its coaches are aware of the RAE.  We encourage and accomodate players born in the latter part of the year.  Our player to coach ratio ensure players receive the adequate attention they need to develop their technique and game awareness at a rate which suits them.  All game related exercises are age and ability appropriate.  This approach ensures we don’t lose players due to the RAE.

Yours In Sport
Ivan Jolic

References

• Football Federation Australia
• SkillPath