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Biomechanical Load Monitoring in Youth Football Academies (LOAD-Y)

Submitted by Elena Marchetti · Sports Science · 2026-07-20

Rejected

Basic Info

Department(s): Sports Science, Biomechanics Lab
Primary Banner: LUNEX
Project Types: Research
Legal Signature Required: Yes
Line Manager Approval Required: Yes
Supervisor Approval Required: No

Team Members

Elena Marchetti — Principal Investigator (Sports Science) · 35% effort

External Partners

FC Differdange Youth Academy — Industry (Luxembourg) · contact: Coach M. Weber

Classification

Funding Type: Competitive Grant
Strategic Alignments: Injury Prevention
Research Pillars: Data
Expected Contributions: —

Summary

Abstract: This project monitors external and internal training load in youth football academy players over a full season, using GPS and heart-rate data to identify injury-risk thresholds specific to adolescent athletes.

Objectives:

Characterize load patterns across a competitive season
Identify load thresholds associated with increased injury risk

Methodology: Longitudinal observational study using GPS trackers and heart-rate monitors during all training sessions and matches across one season.

Expected Outputs: Publications

Keywords: load monitoring, youth football, injury prevention, GPS

Impact, Risk & Ethics

Scientific impact: Provides youth-specific load-injury threshold data, currently extrapolated from adult populations.

Societal impact: Helps academies design safer training programs for adolescent athletes.

Ethics approval required: Yes — Submission planned for next ethics board session.

Risk mitigations:

Player dropout mid-season — Recruit two full squads to buffer attrition.

Budget

Dedicated Budget: Yes
Total Budget: 85,000.00 EUR
Requested Funding: 70,000.00 EUR
Own Contribution: 15,000.00 EUR
Funding Body / Sponsor: National Research Fund

Equipment: 40,000.00 EUR — GPS trackers and heart-rate monitors
Personnel: 30,000.00 EUR — Research assistant
Travel: 5,000.00 EUR — Academy site visits

Feasibility

PI statement: I have prior experience running season-long athlete monitoring studies and will dedicate 35% of my time.

Estimated PI Effort: 35%
Team Capacity Adequate: Yes

Justification: Existing lab infrastructure and academy partnership already in place.

Compliance & Governance

Data Management Plan Required: Yes
GDPR Considerations: Yes
Open Science Plan S Compliance: No
IP Considerations: No

Review Outcome

Reviewed by Liam Manager on 2026-07-20 13:36.