https://goodwoodpub.com/index.php/MSSJ/issue/feed 2026-02-16T15:06:49+07:00 Goodwood Publishing admin@goodwoodpub.com Open Journal Systems <p style="text-align: justify;">Metabolic and Sport Science Journal is an international scholarly journal containing original research papers, reviews, and clinical studies that discuss various essential topics related to metabolic and sport science. Metabolic and Sport Science Journal welcomes well-written manuscripts to be blind-peer reviewed and published periodically. This journal is aimed at contributing theoretical and practical development of metabolic and sport science. In addition, Metabolic and Sport Science Journal is published by Goodwood Publishing.</p> https://goodwoodpub.com/index.php/MSSJ/article/view/3958 2026-02-16T15:06:49+07:00 Hussein Ali Abdyasir hussien.yasir.iku@atu.edu.iq

<p><strong>Purpose:</strong> This study examined whether an 8-week mindfulness training program could enhance the technical, tactical, physical, and cognitive performance of young football players, addressing the common issue of mental deficits contributing to performance errors in youth academies.</p> <p><strong>Research Methodology:</strong> A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 88 Iraqi football players aged 12–18 years. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group receiving regular physical training plus three weekly mindfulness meditation and performance-testing sessions, and a control group receiving only physical training. Assessments were conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and four weeks after completion. Performance indicators included passing accuracy, dribbling success, sprint speed, endurance, decision error rate, tactical awareness, reaction time, focus duration, and overall performance. Mixed-variance ANOVA was applied at a 0.05 significance level.</p> <p><strong>Results:</strong> Baseline equivalence was confirmed (p &gt; 0.70). The experimental group showed significant improvements compared to the control group, including higher gains in passing accuracy (7.4% vs. 1.7%), dribbling (3.9% vs. 1.0%), sprint speed (5.5% vs. 0.7%), endurance (7.8% vs. 0.1%), and overall performance (7.0% vs. 1.2%). Effects persisted at follow-up, with 85% participant retention. Younger players (12–14 years) demonstrated the greatest benefits.</p> <p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Mindfulness training significantly enhances multiple dimensions of youth football performance, with sustained effects beyond the intervention period.</p> <p><strong>Limitations:</strong> The study was limited to male Iraqi players from a single setting.</p> <p><strong>Contributions:</strong> The findings support integrating cognitive training into youth football programs to optimize performance during critical stages of brain development.</p>

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