The goal of this randomized controlled trial is to evaluate whether functional strength and power training or traditional strength and power training during the off-season can improve soccer-specific performance in trained male U19 Norwegian soccer players.

The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does functional training lead to greater improvements in technical soccer skills (passing, shooting, dribbling) compared to traditional training?

Do both training modalities improve mobility, dynamic balance, sprint speed, change of direction, and jumping performance?

Researchers will compare the functional training group, the traditional training group, and a control group to see if either training approach provides superior performance benefits.

Participants will:

Take part in an 8-week intervention.

Complete two weekly strength sessions (functional or traditional depending on allocation).

Attend two weekly soccer sessions during the first 4 weeks (all groups).

Undergo a standardized test battery measuring mobility, balance, technical skills, sprinting, change of direction, and vertical jump before and after the intervention.

Inclusion Criteria

Male soccer players aged 16-20 years.

Active competitors in the Norwegian G19 0. Division or the Norwegian Tipping League (Senior 3. Division).

Minimum of eight years of organized soccer experience.

At least two years of structured resistance training experience.

No concurrent involvement in other structured physical activity programs.

Exclusion Criteria

History of lower-limb injury within the past three months.

Inability to meet the required training attendance (≥14 out of 16 sessions).

Participation in additional structured training programs outside the intervention.