Talent Identification Process Research Articles

Match Analysis of U9 and U10 English Premier League Academy Soccer Players Using a Global Positioning System

The purpose of this study was to examine the match activity profile of U9 and U10 elite soccer players and to establish if there were any differences between players who were subsequently retained or released by their clubs. Such information should prove valuable in the design of training programs for these very young players and in the talent identification and development process. A Global Positioning System was used to analyze 2-4 interacademy 6-a-side matches of English Premier League Academy players (U9: N = 22 and U10: N = 12) who trained 3 times a week (4.5 hours). Speed zones were created based on 5 and 10-m sprint times, and an independent sample t-test was employed for a statistical analysis. Both squads covered ∼4,000 m in total or ∼4,700 m·h during a match (p = NS between squads), with the U10 squad tending to cover a greater distance at moderate (p = 0.10) and high speeds (p = 0.08) than the U9 squad. Retained group covered a greater distance than released group (retained vs. released: 4,478 ± 513 m vs. 4,091 ± 462 m, p < 0.05) during a match and covered a greater distance during low-speed running in absolute (1,226 ± 259 m vs. 1,005 ± 221 m, p < 0.05) and relative (1,325 ± 235 m·h vs. 1,132 ± 210 m·h, p < 0.05) terms. Thus, U9 and U10 players cover over 4000 m in match play, and those players who are retained by academies cover a greater distance in total and at low speeds (2.1-3.1 m·s). This information may support the preparation of squad training programs and the talent identification and development process.

Efecto relativo de la edad en futbol: estudio en un club Vasco profesional (Relative age effect in soccer: a study in a professional Basque club)

El efecto relativo de la edad (RAE) ha sido ampliamente estudiado en futbol revelando una distribución de nacimientos sesgada que favorece a los jugadores nacidos en los primeros meses del año. También, se ha observado que el efecto es más relevante en los equipos de alto nivel. Con esto en mente, este estudio analiza el predominio del efecto relativo de la edad en diferentes equipos de un club de futbol profesional así como en los procesos de selección de este. Considerando todo el equipo, la distribución difiere significantemente de la distribución teórica esperada (p&lt;.05). Se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los nacimientos observados y los esperados en las categorías alevines (masculino, x2 = 8.14, p&lt;.05; femenino, x2 = 11.5, p&lt;.01). Además, en la categoría femenina no hubo ninguna jugadora nacida entre septiembre y diciembre del año de selección. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre los resultados esperados y observados en categorías superiores a pesar de observarse una distribución sesgada. En conjunto, hubo una sobrerrepresentación de jugadores nacidos en los primeros meses del año en todo el equipo confirmando la presencia del RAE en el club. Por otra parte, al analizar el efecto en los procesos de selección confirmamos que este comenzaba antes de que los jugadores ingresasen en el club. Se observaron diferencias significativas en todas las fases de selección entre los jugadores seleccionados y no seleccionados (x2 = 18.10-7.80, p&lt;.05). En consecuencia, podemos decir que el RAE comienza en la identificación temprana de los jugadores. Palabras clave: Fecha de nacimiento, RAE, fútbol, club profesional.Abstract: The presence of RAE has been widely reported and studied in soccer revealing skewed birth-date distributions favoring individuals born early in the selection year. Indeed, it has been documented that RAE is more relevant in high level teams. With this in mind, the present study examined the prevalence of the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in different age groups of a professional soccer club and in the selection processes of the same club. Considering the entire club, distribution differs significantly from the theoretical distribution expected (p&lt;.05). Regarding different categories, there were significant differences between the observed and expected births in both alevin categories (male, x2 = 8.14, p&lt;.05; female, x2 = 11.5, p&lt;.01). Moreover, in womens alevin age group none of the players was born between September and December of the selection year. Nevertheless, they were not significant differences between the expected and observed results in higher categories but a comparatively biased distribution was observed. Overall, we found an over-representation of players born at the beginning of the year confirming the presence of the RAE in the club. When analyzing the effect of RAE in the talent identification process we observed that it begins before the players enter the club. Comparing the distributions of the not-selected players against the selected players significant differences were found in each of the selection phases (x2 = 18.10-7.80, p&lt;.05). Thus, results revealed that the relative age effect acts in the early identification process of the players.Keywords: Birth date, RAE, soccer, professional club.

Anthropometric and physical performance characteristics of top-elite, elite and non-elite youth female team handball players

In order to maximise the potential for success, developing nations need to produce superior systems to identify and develop talent, which requires comprehensive and up-to-date values on elite players. This study examined the anthropometric and physical characteristics of youth female team handball players (16.07 ± 1.30 years) in non-elite (n = 47), elite (n = 37) and top-elite players (n = 29). Anthropometric profiling included sum of eight skinfolds, body mass, stature, girths, breadths and somatotype. Performance tests included 20 m sprint, counter-movement jump, throwing velocity, repeated shuttle sprint and jump ability test, and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1. Youth top-elite players had greater body mass, lean mass, stature, limb girths and breadths than elite and non-elite players, while only stature and flexed arm were higher in elite compared to non-elite players (all P < 0.05). Sum of skinfolds and waist-to-hip ratio were similar between groups (P > 0.05). Top-elite performed better in most performance tests compared to both elite and non-elite players (P < 0.05), although maximal and repeated 10 m sprints were similar between playing standards (P > 0.05). Elite outperformed non-elite players only in throwing velocity. The findings reveal that non-elite players compare unfavourably to top-elite international European players in many anthropometric and performance characteristics, and differ in a few characteristics compared to elite European club team players. This study is useful for emerging team handball nations in improving talent identification processes.

Talent identification and selection process of outfield players and goalkeepers in a professional soccer club

The aim of this study was to analyse the talent identification process of a professional soccer club. A preselection of players (n = 64) aged 9–10 years and a final selection (n = 21) were performed by the technical staff through the observation during training sessions and matches. Also, 34 age-matched players of an open soccer camp (CampP) acted as controls. All participants underwent anthropometric, maturity and performance measurements.Preselected outfield players (OFs) were older and leaner than CampP (P < 0.05). Besides, they performed better in velocity, agility, endurance and jump tests (P < 0.05). A discriminant analysis showed that velocity and agility were the most important parameters. Finally, selected OFs were older and displayed better agility and endurance compared to the nonselected OFs (P < 0.05). Goalkeepers (GKs) were taller and heavier and had more body fat than OFs; also, they performed worse in the physical tests (P < 0.05). Finally, selected GKs were older and taller, had a higher predicted height and advanced maturity and performed better in the handgrip (dynamometry) and jump tests (P < 0.05).Thus, the technical staff selected OFs with a particular anthropometry and best performance, particularly agility and endurance, while GKs had a different profile. Moreover, chronological age had an important role in the whole selection process.

Talent identification and development tools

Purpose – This paper aims to contribute to talent management literature by examining empirically the relationship between talent identification and development tools. Design/methodology/approach – The study sample consisted of 112 Argentina-based companies. All participants completed an online survey containing a list of identification and development practices. Responses were analyzed with SPSS 19. Findings – Results show that companies running more talent identification processes (performance management and potential identification) make use of a greater number of development tools. Significant differences were observed in the use of all development tools analyzed, with the exception of formal education and job rotation. Results indicate that the presence of a Development Department encourages the implementation of identification and development tools. Practical implications – The study suggests that the better the quality of the information involved during the identification stage, the higher the contribution to development investment decisions. Companies should do well to rely on higher-quality diagnostic information to facilitate a better selection of development tools to fulfill specific objectives. The existence of a Development Department favors the implementation of a greater number of identification and development tools. Originality/value – This paper adds to fill a perceived gap in the literature investigating, empirically, the relationship between talent identification processes and development tools.

The relative age effect in the German Football TID Programme: Biases in motor performance diagnostics and effects on single motor abilities and skills in groups of selected players

This study examined the disturbing effects of relative age on the talent identification process in the talent development programme of the German Football Association. The bias in the selection rate was examined via the extent of relative age effects. The bias in motor performance diagnostics was analysed by comparing the motor performance of selected players with normal motor development. The mechanisms underlying the relative age biases in motor performance were examined by modelling the direct and indirect effects of relative age on single motor performance tests for sprint, running agility, dribbling and ball passing and control. Data from 10,130 selected football players from the U12 to U15 age groups were collected in autumn 2010. The birth distribution differed significantly from the reference population with approximately 61% of the players born in the first half of the year. The selection probability was approximately two times higher for players born in the first quarter of the year than for players born in the last quarter. Revised motor performance diagnostics showed better results on average for relatively younger players. Path analysis revealed significant direct and indirect relative age effects for physiologically demanding tests and almost no effects for technically demanding tests. Large sample sizes allowed high resolution in relative age with additional informational content and multivariate modelling of the complex relationships among relative age, physical development and motor performance. The results are discussed on how relative age affects the effectiveness and fairness of talent identification and development processes.

Considering maturation status and relative age in the longitudinal evaluation of junior rugby league players

This study longitudinally evaluated whether maturation and relative age interact with time during adolescence to differentially affect the development of anthropometric and fitness characteristics in junior rugby league players. Anthropometric and fitness characteristics of 81 junior players selected into the UK Rugby Football League's talent identification and development process were assessed over three consecutive occasions (i.e., under-13s, -14s, -15s). Players were grouped and compared in relation to maturational status (i.e., early, average, late) and relative age quartile (i.e., quartile 1). Repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance identified significant (P < 0.001) overall main effects for maturation group, relative age quartile and importantly a maturation group by time interaction. Findings showed that the early-maturing group had the greatest anthropometric characteristics and medicine ball throw across the three occasions. However, the late-maturing group increased their height (early = 5.0 cm, late = 10.3 cm), medicine ball throw and 60-m sprint (early = -0.46 s, late = -0.85 s) the most throughout the 2-year period. Early (de)selection policies currently applied in talent identification and development programs are questionable when performance-related variables are tracked longitudinally. During adolescence, maturation status alongside relative age should be considered and controlled for when assessing athlete potential for future progression.

“A clear and obvious ability to perform physical activity”: revisiting physical education teachers' perceptions of talent in PE and sport

Background: This paper examines physical education (PE) teachers' perceptions of talent in PE and sport within the context of English policy, where the process of identifying talent has been formalised and supported through specific resources (YST 2009). English policy has merged educational and sporting targets, which has resulted in a shift in foci away from educational objectives towards supporting elite development. Combining the aims of PE and sport contributes to longstanding debates over the nature and purpose of PE. Despite specific initiatives, there remains limited understanding of talent identification (ID) and as such, a danger for talent in PE and sport to be considered synonymous, resulting in a lack of clarity over the methods, purpose and focus of talent ID, and consequently notions of ability in PE. Purpose: In order to gain insight into the processes involved in talent ID in PE an electronic survey was conducted on PE departments' practices and perceptions within London boroughs. The survey aimed to establish a regional picture of respective practices as well as determining how PE teachers define talent in PE and sport. It also attempted to supplement related findings of the national survey on talent in PE (Bailey, Morley, and Dismore 2009). Method: Where an email address was available, an electronic survey link was sent to 400 state secondary schools across all London boroughs during the latter part of the summer term, 2008. A total of 84 (21%) responses were received. Data were collected using an electronic survey consisting of both quantitative and qualitative questions. Questions related to: Gifted and Talented (G&T) Policy; talent ID processes; staff training; and PE teachers' definitions of talent in PE and sport. Analyses of quantitative data were conducted using SPSS (version 15.0) and descriptive frequencies were obtained and reported. Open-ended responses were entered into N-Vivo (©Sage, version 7) and responses were coded into categories in order for themes to be identified. Results and discussion: Talent ID practices are compared to those reported in the national survey on talent development in PE. They reflect limited development in PE specific policy, training, awareness and use of available resources. PE teachers continue to predominantly utilise physical ability as a key indicator of talent; however, there is some indication that perceptions of talent are widening. The findings reveal inconsistencies in PE teachers' definitions of talent in PE and sport, where some are able to distinguish between the two whilst others are not. This is a concern for stakeholders and raises questions on the conceptual clarity of talent in PE. Conclusion: Defining talent in PE remains a contentious issue. The apparent merging of PE and sport, in policy and practice, reinforces the association of talent with physical performance which has re-catalysed debates on whether this is an appropriate way to conceptualise talent within PE. In working towards educational objectives, the PE profession should reflect on the purpose of current practice and consider who may benefit.

Talent development: linking the stakeholders to the process

The three stakeholders (coaches, parents and the National Governing Body) in Talent Identification and Development (TID) are important factors in athlete development. How each of them perceive the key constructs of Talent Identification and Development (i.e. sport specialisation and selection, practice, athlete development, junior and adult success, and the role of the stakeholders), and the coherence of that understanding is not well understood. This study focuses on junior performance tennis and investigates the perceptions of coaches, parents and sports organisations (a National Governing Body) of the five key constructs of Talent Identification and Development. We were interested in examining (a) the extent to which stakeholder perceptions relate to research, (b) the coherence of each stakeholder's perceptions and (c) the extent to which there is coherence between what stakeholders understand each other thinks. Seventy-five coaches, parents, and National Governing Body staff completed a questionnaire that asked participants to rate their degree of agreement/disagreement with researched ‘principles' of Talent Identification and Development. The results suggest that stakeholders do not strongly agree with the research supporting principles of Talent Identification and Development. Furthermore, a significant lack of coherence of stakeholder perceptions was evident. This lack of coherence was also evident in each group's understanding of what the other stakeholders believed. The impact of these results on the Talent Identification and Development process is discussed.

Do you see whatIsee? The role of technology in talent identification

This paper applies a social constructivist lens to understand more about the ways in which technology shapes our understanding of talent management, in particular the processes of talent identification. Specifically, it examines similarities and differences in the identification of talent across a range of business units at a large professional services firm. The findings show that while objective evaluations of talent based on data and information were possible using talent‐related technology, managers had subjective and widely different understandings of what constituted talent at the organisation and how to go about identifying it. These different understandings, based on organisational context, personal attitudes, behaviours and past experiences, determined the ways in which the technology and the information it yielded was used. We conclude that the full potential of the talent‐related technology and the talent identification processes were unrealised. We discuss the implications of these findings forHRand the management of talent more generally.

Effects of Goal Setting, Individual and Group Contingencies on Learning and Effort by Talented Youth Soccer Players

Identifying and developing young sporting talent are significant and challenging endeavours, yet guidance for coaches responsible for the provision of practice for such children is sparse (Martindale, Collins & Daubney, 2005). Participants in this study were nine boys (aged 7 to 8 years) who attended a talent selection and development programme of an English professional soccer club. Parents also participated as data collectors for their sons. An alternating treatments design was used to compare the effects of goal setting alone, an individual contingency (signed player photograph) and a group contingency (extra game time) on learning and effort in practice. Results showed that the individual and group contingencies improved technical learning, the group contingency promoted greater effort in practice but goal setting alone did not promote significant learning or practice effort. Reliable agreement scores by parents demonstrated the potential for behavioural coaching practices to enhance the talent identification and development processes.

Biological maturation, morphology, fitness, and motor coordination as part of a selection strategy in the search for international youth soccer players (age 15–16 years)

We report the morphology (height, weight, body fat, body mass index), fitness (strength, speed, agility, flexibility), and soccer-specific (dribbling) and non-specific motor coordination skills (Körper KoordinationsTest für Kinder; KTK) of 78 Belgian international youth soccer players aged 15–16 years with varying biological maturity status. The more mature players (U16 and U17) possessed higher morphological measures and outperformed their later maturing peers (U16 Futures and U17 Futures) on almost all fitness tests. However, soccer-specific and non-specific motor coordination tests did not distinguish the more mature players from the later maturing players in both age groups. When adjusted for the confounder (age at peak height velocity), multivariate analysis of covariance revealed that several morphology- and fitness-related parameters did not differ between selection groups, again in both age groups. These findings indicate that biological maturation affects morphology and fitness more so than motor coordination skills. In conclusion, to prevent the dropout of promising late maturing players, we suggest avoiding one-dimensional approaches and to include measures of biological maturity status as well as maturity independent performance tests during the talent identification and selection process.

Relative age effects in Swiss junior soccer and their relationship with playing position

Relative age effects (RAEs) refer to age differences between children in the same selection year. The present study investigated the prevalence of RAEs and their link to playing positions in Swiss junior soccer. Swiss male junior soccer players (n=50,581) representing 11% of the age-matched population – members of extra-curricular soccer teams – were evaluated to determine the influence of RAEs on Swiss junior soccer. Subgroups were the national talent development programme (n=2880), and U-15 to U-21 national teams (n=630). While no RAEs were found for the self-selected extra-curricular soccer teams or for the U-20 teams (P>0.05), significant RAEs were found for talent development and the national U-15 to U-19 and U-21 teams (P<0.01). Additionally, defenders born early in the year were significantly overrepresented compared with goalkeepers, midfielders and strikers (P<0.05). In Switzerland, RAEs apparently have substantial influence on the talent identification process for U-15 to U-18 teams, significantly influencing the selection of players in talent development teams already at an early age, but do not influence self-selected participation in extra-curricular soccer. Additionally, the RAE bias may be a predictor of playing positions in national teams. To minimise RAEs in Swiss soccer, systematic education for all coaches regarding RAEs should be established, in addition to a slotting system with rotating calendar cut-off dates.

Talent identification and development in dance: a review of the literature

Talent identification and development processes are important components of many dance programmes, yet talent is notoriously difficult to define and its identification may rely on intuitive judgements. Taking a systematic approach to the study of dance talent could enable researchers and educators to better determine what talent actually is, the multi‐faceted components that exist within talent and subsequently how best it can be optimised. The aim of this paper is to review existing literature relating to aspects of dance talent. While not attempting to define talent nor provide a guide for identification, the review reports on existing relevant literature that describes the characteristics associated with talent in the hope that it will be valuable to educators and researchers. Further research into the characteristics of talented dancers may enable teachers to prepare their students optimally for the exciting opportunities that dance can offer.

Differences in the Game Specific Skills of Elite and Sub-Elite Youth Football Players: Implications for Talent Identification

The concept of multidimensional talent modelling offers a recent attempt to objectively identify sporting talent in adolescents, of which game specific skill assessment has become a significant dimension. Previous studies have used closed skill testing to assess ‘open’ skills in youth football players, often finding such measures to discriminate between elite and sub-elite groups. The current study used an example performance analysis template to; 1) Identify differences in performance indicators between pre-determined groups of elite and sub-elite performers during an open match environment; 2) Identify differences in performance indicators between positional groups of elite and sub-elite performers at separate levels of competition; 3) Individually identify sub-elite players compared to a normative profile of elite positional counterparts. Results from Mann-Whitney U testing suggested that elite players are significantly higher (p<0.0028) performers within 9 of 18 performance indicators. Comparisons refined by position and round of competition found only one indicator to distinguish between elite and sub-elite players. The use of a normative profiling method demonstrated how sub-elite players may be analysed relative to elite counterparts. Results are discussed in relation to the advantages of performance analysis as a preferred measure of game specific skills in the talent identification process.

How do MNCs establish their talent pools? Influences on individuals’ likelihood of being labeled as talent

Addressing the research question of what influences the likelihood of an individual being labeled as ‘talent’ in MNCs, this paper seeks to understand the decision processes involved in the identification of MNC-internal talent. We develop a framework suggesting that the decision to include an employee in a corporate talent pool is a two-stage decision process in which mostly experience-based (on-line) performance appraisal evaluations are used as an input in largely cognition-based (off-line) managerial decision making. Consequently, talent pool inclusion is determined not only by performance appraisal evaluations, but also a number of factors that influence the decision making in the second stage of the talent identification process. Using empirical insights from an in-depth case study as illustrations, we identify three such factors—cultural and institutional distance between the locations of a potential member of the talent pool and the decision makers; homophily between the individual and the decision makers; and the network position of the person in question.

Relative age effect in Spanish association football: Its extent and implications for wasted potential

Spain is one of the largest and most successful powers in international youth football, but this success has not extended to the national team. This lack of continued success seems to indicate a loss of potential. The relative age effect has been detected in football in many countries. Understanding the extent of this bias in the youth teams of Spanish elite clubs may help to improve selection processes and reduce the waste of potential. Comparisons between players from: the Spanish Professional Football League, all age categories of these clubs' youth teams, the Under-17 to Under-21 national teams, the national team, and the Spanish population, show a constant tendency to under-represent players from the later months of the selection year at all age groups of youth and Under-17 to Under-21 national teams. Professional and national team players show a similar but diminished behaviour that weakens with ageing, which suggests that talent identification and selection processes can be improved to help better identify potential talent early on and minimize wasted potential.

Performance and anthropometric characteristics of prospective elite junior Australian footballers: A case study in one junior team

The aim of the study was to compare anthropometric and physical performance data of players who were selected for a Victorian elite junior U18 Australian rules football squad. Prior to the selection of the final training squad, 54 players were assessed using a battery of standard anthropometric and physical performance tests. Multivariate analysis (MANOVA) showed significant (p<0.05) differences between selected and non-selected players when height, mass, 20-m sprint, agility and vertical jump height were considered collectively. Univariate analysis revealed that the vertical jump was the only significant (p<0.05) individual test and a near significant trend (p=0.07) for height differentiating between selected and non-selected players with medium effect sizes for all other tests except endurance. In this elite junior football squad, physical characteristics can be observed that discriminate between players selected and non-selected, and demonstrates the value of physical fitness testing within the talent identification process of junior (16-18 years) players for squad and/or team selection. Based on MANOVA results, the findings from this study suggest team selection appeared to be related to a generally higher performance across the range of tests. Further, age was not a confounding variable as players selected tended to be younger than those non-selected. These findings reflect the general consensus that, in state-based junior competition, there is evidence of promoting overall player development, selecting those who are generally able to fulfil a range of positions and selecting players on their potential.

Discriminant Analysis of Standard Performance Tests to Determine Physical Development Ratings of College Football Players

College football players are often subjected to numerous tests to evaluate their physical readiness to participate. While the tests appear to be different, some of these tests may provide redundant information and could be eliminated to streamline evaluation of physical development and talent identification processes. PURPOSE: To evaluate the best tests for determining physical ability in college football. METHODS: NCAA Division II football players (n = 48, age = 20.1+1.4 yrs; ht = 184.3+6.4 cm; wt = 105.7+17.1 kg) were evaluated at the end of a winter conditioning period using a 40-yd sprint, pro-agility run, 3-cone drill, standing long jump, and vertical jump. Strength tests included 1 -RM for bench press, squat, power clean, and seated military press. One-minute sit-ups assessed abdominal muscle endurance. Performance on each test was converted to standard scores (z-scores), summed, and rank-ordered to produce a team performance rating (TPR). TPR was dichotomized at the mean into high (n = 25) and low (n = 23) performance categories. RESULTS: Discriminant analysis to estimate TRP groups indicated that bench press and standing long jump were the significant variables selected to explain TPR (Cononical correlation = 0.73, eigenvalue = 1.14). These two variables correctly identified 80% of the high performers and 87% of the low performers. Seventeen of the top 25 performers were backs indicating the dominance of motor skill in these physical performance tests. In the backs-only group (n = 26), standing long jump and bench press remained the most effective tests for identifying high performance backs, correctly classifying 92% of high and 85% of low performers. In the linemen-only group (n = 22), the 40-yd dash was the only significant variable selected, correctly classifying 91% of high performers and 82% of low performers. CONCLUSION: This analysis suggests that physical performance testing in college football players can be reduced to 3 tests (standing long jump, bench press, and 40-yd dash) that provide sufficient information to determine players with superior physical ability and readiness for participation in college football. This would significantly reduce the time required for physical testing without loss of information concerning physical development and readiness to participate in college football.

Eliminating the dichotomy between theory and practice in talent identification and development: considering the role of psychology

It is acknowledged that appropriate support and training are essential if talented individuals are to fulfil their potential. The early identification of talented athletes is an increasingly important consideration for researchers and practitioners alike. Once talented individuals have been detected, crucial but limited support resources can be optimally deployed to ensure that their needs are met and that their gifts are developed. However, there is considerable disagreement among experts on what talent is, and which factors can reliably be used within talent identification processes. This paper explores prerequisites to success in sport, and the comparative efficacy of employing these prerequisites within talent identification schemes. It is proposed that talent needs to be reconceptualized so that talent identification and talent development processes are perceived to be dynamic and interrelated. Additionally, the need to place greater emphasis on the capacity of a child to develop in sport and the psychological factors that underpin this process is highlighted. To this end, it is advocated that talent identification and development schemes, while emphasizing the multidimensional nature of talent, need to recognize the essential role of psychology in the ability of individuals to fulfil their sporting potential.