Overtraining is a prevalent issue among young men soccer players, particularly those who
are driven to enhance their skills. While an intense training volume and effort might contribute to
athletic growth, it can also have negative implications, including injury. The current study aimed
at examining the association between training frequency, symptoms of overtraining and injuries in
young men soccer players. A path analysis approach was used to examine the causal relationships
between variables. The sample consisted of 189 young men soccer players aged 13–17 years old (age
= 14.81, SD = 1.37). Participants reported that they were training, on average, 5.77 days (SD = 1.53)
per week. Athletes were competing at a regional (n = 100) or national (n = 89) level. Concerning
injuries, participants indicated, on average, 2.03 (SD = 1.16) injuries since they started practicing
soccer. The results displayed a significant association, as theoretically expected, namely: (i) training
frequency was significantly associated with overtraining symptoms ( = 0.15 [IC95% = 0.01, 0.29]);
(ii) overtraining symptoms were significantly associated with the number of injuries ( = 0.19 [IC95%
= 0.02, 0.35]). An indirect effect between training frequency and injuries was also observed ( = 0.15
[IC95% = 0.01, 0.29]). Thus, there is preliminary evidence that overtraining symptoms could play a
mediating role. In conclusion, investigating the links between overtraining symptoms and injury
in young men soccer players is critical, as it can assist in identifying overtraining warning signs,
promote young players’ health and safety, customize training regimens to individual needs, and
contribute to a better understanding of sports-related injuries.
