Abstract
There is a growing debate, both in the academic and sporting worlds, about the most appropriate pathway for high potential young players in sport. In this regard, there has been a considerable focus on the age of selection into structured talent development pathways and the nature of the experience once players have been recruited. Given the economic and reputational currency associated with developing professional footballers in particular, it is unsurprising that professional football clubs continue to invest significant financial resources into their academy structures. Understandably, this recruitment policy has attracted substantial attention within the media and research community, with ethical concerns arising surrounding the impact early selection may have on the welfare and the experiences of the young players within the pathway. The aim of this perspective article was to critically consider the research underpinning the early engagement practises of football clubs and the extent to which, and how, the pathway can provide players with the most appropriate starting point for their development. This evidence points to the need to look beyond the prevalent ‘early specialisation vs. diversification’ debate in youth sport towards a consideration of an early engagement perspective that reflects the biopsychosocial influences on talent development and the socio-political environment that influences decisions. We provide practical recommendations focused on the quality of the early engagement experience.
Highlights
The development of talent in football is big business and, across nations, significant financial resources are invested in identifying and developing talented young players
Reflecting the professionalisation of football academies, which have been referred to as “football factories” (Green, 2009, p.7), some football clubs have been accused of viewing young players as commodities and performing bodies that are disposed of once it is deemed that they do not have the necessary qualities and attributes to succeed at the senior level (Brown and Potrac, 2009)
There is significant research attesting to the benefits of a diversified early engagement in sport (i.e., Jayanthi et al, 2013; Côté and Vierimaa, 2014; DiFiori et al, 2014), much of the suggestions on early specialisation have been guided by research that is retrospective in design and lacking specificity to football (i.e., Güllich and Emrich, 2006; Law et al, 2007; Wall and Côté, 2007; Fraser-Thomas et al, 2008; Moesch et al, 2011)
Summary
The development of talent in football is big business and, across nations, significant financial resources are invested in identifying and developing talented young players. Some football academies in the United Kingdom are adopting an approach whereby players as young as six are required to attend multiple weekly training sessions, with formal club registration beginning at 9 years of age (Elite Player Performance Plan, 2011; Read et al, 2016). This has led to suggestions of “premature professionalisation” of youth sport to the detriment of the young players involved.
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