ABSTRACT
The environment in which children or youths play soccer may represent a source of stress for them. Environmental factors may cause acute biological responses to facilitate an immediate adaptation and allow the youngster to cope. An adjustment in the performance level may be needed for this coping mechanism to take effect. The youngster may also benefit from repeated exposures by means of physiological adaptations that are known as acclimatisation. Even without these adjustments, learning to cope with unusual environmental stress means that behaviour may be modified in order to tolerate the stress experienced.
