Sports Science and Performance Update by Chase Wetherell, Head of Sports Science

Data-Driven Performance Gains at Calgary Foothills Soccer Club

At Foothills, we are committed to enhancing player performance through precise data analysis. Recent testing at Trades has focused on two key metrics: the Broad Jump, which measures lower body strength and power, and the 30m Sprint, our standard for assessing speed.

Broad Jump: Strength and Power

In the indoor season, our Tier 1-3 boys and girls averaged 200.47cm and 174.72cm, respectively. This improved significantly during the outdoor season, with averages rising to 225.18cm for boys (a 12.32% improvement) and 190.73cm for girls (a 9.16% improvement).

30m Sprint: Speed Gains

Speed is a critical factor in soccer, and our 30m Sprint test shows that our training efforts are making a significant impact. Boys improved their average sprint time from 4.84 seconds indoors to 4.29 seconds outdoors, an impressive 11.3% improvement. Similarly, girls reduced their average time from 5.16 seconds to 4.81 seconds, reflecting a solid 6.77% gain.These improved times mean that our male and female players can now reach and sustain speeds of 6.99 m/s (approximately 25 km/h) and 6.24 m/s (around 22 km/h) over 30 meters, respectively.

To put these achievements into context, our U14-17 athletes are approaching the speed benchmarks of elite players. For example, a European male U21 player typically reaches speeds of 7.6 m/s over 30 meters (about 27 km/h), while a Division 1 NCAA female U21 player hits speeds of around 6.5 m/s (23 km/h). This comparison highlights the impressive athletic development within our program.

Looking Ahead

These improvements are a strong indicator that our training programs are effective. In September, we will further assess our players with the YoYo intermittent running test and the 5-10-5 pro agility test, continuing our commitment to data-driven excellence.

Our focus remains on using these insights to drive player development, ensuring that our club remains at the forefront of athletic performance.

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Video Analysis Program Update by Jamieson Sawka, Performance Manager

Video Analysis Program Combines Individual Growth with the 4 Moments of the Game

Foothills video analysis sessions focused on two key aspects during the past season.

One. We emphasized reflection, both as a group and individually. We designed tasks around probing questions, encouraging players to delve deeper into the four moments of the game:

• In possession
• Out of possession
• Attacking transition
• Defending transition.

This allowed them to reflect on their contributions and development within their attacking, midfield, or defensive units.

Two. We placed greater emphasis on individual growth through clip creation. Using our Veo camera system, we introduced player profiles. These enable players to compile reels from the clips we create in video sessions. Their reels provide valuable tools for highlighting performance and creating active links for coaches or scouts, particularly for players on the Pro-Am, Pro, or University pathway.”