Co-designing talent transfer pathways in para-sport: a case study

Abstract

ABSTRACT Research question: Talent transfer pathways offer great potential in para-sport yet are underexplored from a sport management perspective. Therefore, this study addressed the questions: What are the facilitators and barriers impacting sport systems ability to support talent transfer athletes and pathways, and how can the sport system improve talent transfer pathways in para-sport? Research methods: This exploratory study draws on expert practitioners’ perspectives of para-sport talent transfer through a co-design workshop conducted in 2023 with 12 participants (6 men and 6 women) experienced in areas including coaching, pathways and high-performance co-ordination and management, and classification. Findings: Processes for recognising, identifying, confirming, and progressing talent transfer athletes, the provision of para-sport and talent transfer-specific resources, and system collaboration were identified as factors influencing the sport system’s ability to support current, predominately informal, talent transfer. Eight distinct strategic areas for potential solutions were identified to improve talent transfer pathways in para-sport. Implications: The findings provide insights to enhance understanding of critical sport system factors in the underexplored area of para-sport talent transfer. Additionally, it offers direction for para-sport managers developing talent transfer initiatives, frameworks, and collaborations, ensuring the efficient allocation of resources, enhanced support and opportunities for athletes, and increased effectiveness of such programs.