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Introduction: This study examines the significance of playing-up (participating in training and playing with older age groups) and mixed-gender play (training and playing with opposite gender) for Swedish female football players to reach the highest international level.

Methods: Drawing on questionnaire data from senior female football players who play in the first league in Sweden or abroad as a professional, we examined their experiences of playing-up and mixed-gender play during their child and youth years, and its significance for being selected for the senior national teams, i.e., Swedish U23 and women's national team.

Results and discussion: Findings revealed that about half of the players between age 9–12 and over 80% between age 13–15 reported experiences of training or playing with older players, showing that playing-up is a common experience among players who reach women's elite level. Regarding mixed-gender experiences, less than 25% of the participants reported that they trained or played with boys between age 9–12 and between 13 and 15 years. The findings showed further that 41% of the players had been selected for the senior national teams. Logistic regression analysis showed that experiences of playing-up or mixed-gender play between age 9–12 or 13–15 did not increase the likelihood of being selected for the senior national teams. This is one of few studies to date investigating the impact of playing-up and mixed-gender play on females' pathways to senior national team levels in football. Understanding how playing-up and mixed-gender play relates to athlete development and for attaining expertise in young adulthood can guide coaches and organizations in structuring training environments that foster sustainable development.