Does the physical performance of youth football players let properly represent Lithuania in the international arena?

Aim of the study. To assess physical performance of candidates for Lithuanian national youth team (U-17). Objectives: 1. To analyze and to assess youth soccer players physical performance results who are attending selection for U-17 national team. 2. To analyze youth soccer players of Lithuanian football academy (U-17) changing physical performance while training on special program. Methods and organization. During the first investigation it was done counter movement vertical jump (with and without arm swing) and 30 meters sprint (from start position and flying) tests. On the second investigation participants performed 4 months lasting special physical performance training program. Results. Compared youth football players physical performance tests results and assessed by score, we see that at the average best scores participants got for 30 meters sprint from start position, but this is only 5,23 ± 2,56 of score. Lowest were scored for 30 meters sprint from flying position test results – 3,90 ± 2,61 of score. Average all tests assessment was only 4,55 ± 2,13 of score. After evaluated counter movement jump with and without arm swing results by the international football physical performance standarts we found that after 4 months special phycial performance training, only vertical jump without arm swing average assessment statisticaly significantly improved and was 9,79 ± 0,37 of score (p<0,05). Conclusions 1. Candidates of Lithuanian national U-17 team in the tests reflecting velocity power moderately evaluated only 4,55 ± 2,13 of score, and this output assessment does not depend on which Lithuanian city candidates are from, bad physical performance assessment noticeable all over the country. 2. Applying special physical performance training program for youth football players after 4 month vertical jump without arm swing average assessment was 9,79 ± 0,37 of score (p