The importance of physical fitness testing in youth soccer players has become more evident over recent years. The aim of this review was to i) examine the reliability, validity and sensitivity of aerobic fitness, speed (sprint and repeated sprint ability) and change of direction tests in male youth soccer players and ii) identify issues and considerations regarding testing in this population. Only field tests performed in youth soccer players were reviewed. Intermittent tests seem the most appropriate to assess soccer specific endurance, of these the Yo Yo Intermittent Recovery test level 1 has the strongest correlation with match activity (0.56-0.77). Sprint testing, including 5 m and up to 30-40 m are shown to be reliable (ICC range 0.84-0.99). Change of direction tests possess high reliability (ICC range 0.80-0.99) whereas for repeated change of direction tests it is slightly lower (ICC = 0.80), while neither seems to possess appropriate validity. The influence of growth and maturation should be considered when interpreting test results. A holistic approach taking into account physiological, anthropometric, psychological, and skill-related assessments is necessary. Until we have more information on the long-term stability, fitness tests should be used carefully and always taking into consideration their limitation(s). Soccer is a highly complex sport influenced by many physical, psychological, tactical and technical factors. The physical demands require players to possess appropriate levels of fitness (aerobic, speed, strength, agility) that allow them to remain competitive for the match entirety. Accordingly, physical testing has gained greater acceptance over recent years and it now seems commonplace within a youth soccer player`s schedule. Many different tests are available and it is likely that more will emerge in the future. To be used with confidence in the real world setting, however, tests should be valid, reliable and sensitive. Many studies have provided this information in adult soccer players. However, a test should not be administered with confidence in a younger group, merely because they are shown to be appropriate for adults. Rather, the influence of factors, such as maturation, growth and training history, highlight differences to testing adult players.
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