Biological maturation can be defined as the timing and tempo of progress to achieving a mature state. The estimation of age of peak heightvelocity (PHV) or percentage of final estimated adult stature attainment (%EASA) is typically used to inform the training process in young athletes. In youth soccer, maturity-related changes in anthropometric and physical fitness characteristics are diverse among individuals, particularlyaround PHV. During this time, players are also at an increased risk of sustaining an overuse or growth-related injury. As a result, the implementa-tion of training interventions can be challenging. The purpose of this review was to highlight and discuss many of the methods that can beused to estimate maturation in the applied setting and discuss the implications of manipulating training load around PHV on physical development and injury risk. We have provided key stakeholders with a practical online tool for estimating player maturation status (Supplementary Maturity Estimation Tools). Whilst estimating maturity using predictive equations is useful in guiding the training process, practitioners shouldbe aware of its limitations. To increase the accuracy and usefulness of data, it is also vital that sports scientists implement reliable testing protocols at predetermined time-points.
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