Table 1 Reasons for fitness assessment in soccer (according to Carling [137])

1. To establish a baseline profile for each player and the squad as a whole.

2. To identify individual strengths (to build on) and weaknesses (to be improved).

3. To provide feedback to players on their own capacities and act ergogenically by influencing their motivation to improve.

4. To evaluate objectively the effectiveness of a specific training intervention in terms of progress (improvement or failure to improve).

5. To evaluate objectively the effectiveness of other training-related interventions such as a nutritional or psychological development programme.

6. To monitor progress during rehabilitation or determine whether an athlete is ready to complete.

7. To identify a relationship between individual performance capacities and the actual demands of competition.

8. To monitor the health status of a player.

9. To assist in identifying talented soccer players.

10. To attempt to create performance norms according to age category, stage of development, special populations, playing position and sport.

11. To monitor and evaluate the progression of youth players.

12. To place players in an appropriate training group.

13. To examine the development of performance from year to year.

14. To enable future performance to be predicted.

15. To provide data for scientific research on the limitations of performance.