Talent Identification Programs Research Articles

Absolute and relative reliability of SCRuM test battery components assembled for schoolboy rugby players playing competitive rugby in low-resource settings: A pragmatic in-season test-retest approach.

Schoolboy rugby is a popular sport which forms the bedrock of rugby development in many African countries, including Zimbabwe. With burgeoning talent identification programmes, the development of multi-dimensional, logically-validated, and reliable test batteries is essential to inform the objective selection of potentially talented young rugby athletes. This study sought evidence on the absolute and relative test-retest reliability of the component test items in the newly-assembled SCRuM test battery. Utilising a pragmatic test-retest experimental design, a sample of 41 Under-19 schoolboy players playing competitive rugby in the elite Super Eight Schools Rugby League in Harare, Zimbabwe, participated in the study. Physiological and game-specific skills tests which showed good to excellent relative reliability and acceptable absolute reliability, included: 20 m and 40 m speed, L-run, Vertical Jump (VJ), 60 s Push-Up, 2 kg Medicine Ball Chest Throw test (2 kg MBCT), Wall Sit Leg Strength test (WSLS), Repeated High Intensity Exercise test (RHIE), One Repetition Maximum Back Squat (1-RM BS) and Bench Press tests (1-RM BP), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 test (Yo-Yo IRT L1), Tackling Proficiency test, Passing Ability Skill test and Running and Catching Ability skill test. All these tests are reliable and warrant inclusion in the SCRuM test battery for possible profiling of U19 schoolboy rugby players during the 'in-season' phase provided there is adequate participant familiarisation and test standardisation. The test-retest ICCs and measurement errors are generalisable to other young athletes in this population, making the tests useful for the evaluation of training and developmental effects of the measured constructs.

Performance trajectories of bowlers and batters from youth level to senior professional status in cricket

ABSTRACT The identification and development of talent towards expertise is the primary goal for many professional cricket organisations. The purpose of this study was to utilise retrospective County Age Group (CAG; U10–U19) match performance data to develop age-specific benchmarks for young cricketers to achieve senior professional status. Moreover, results were aligned to the Development Model of Sport Participationto better understand the developmental trajectories of bowlers and batters. The study consisted of 251 male players from an English professional first-class county cricket club who were categorised into two skill-sets dependant on their match performance data (bowlers: n = 118; batters: n = 133). Bowling and batting averages, as well as wickets taken and runs scored, were used for analysis. No significant differences were identified for bowlers who were successful and unsuccessful in achieving professional status prior to U17. In contrast, batters who achieved professional status displayed significantly superior match performance data throughout the pathway. Overall, this data: (a) provides evidence of performance targets for young aspiring cricketers to achieve expertise in English cricket, (b) highlights that bowlers and batters typically follow different development trajectories, and (c) offers an analytical tool for key stakeholders to develop an evidence-based talent identification programme.

Talent identification in swimming: A systematic review.

Introduction: Talent Identification (TI) programs aim to systematically identify athletes who display, or possess, the perceived greatest potential for future success within a sport context. However, despite widespread interest, there are no established criteria for how TI should be conducted in youth swimming. This review aimed to synthesise existing literature to identify methods (i.e., measures, procedures, analysis) that have been implemented as part of TI within youth swimming. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in five databases adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Studies were included if they examined TI and selection methods within ‘talented’ youth swimmers, aged 20 years or under. Results: Twenty-eight studies met inclusion criteria. Studies varied in the criteria applied to identify (non-) talented swimmers (e.g., competition qualification times, world record ratios). Existing studies varied in participant composition, developmental stage, performance level and events examined. Suggesting a somewhat unknown exploratory stage of research understanding, studies typically examined a range of factors (i.e., swimming [in-water] specific, individual attributes; and environmental) perceived as relating to TI. With the assessment of multiple factors at different age/stage time-points and inconsistent findings of their influence apparent, the multifactorial and dynamic nature of swim performance was supported. No consistent set of measures or factors for TI in youth swimmers were identifiable. Discussion: This review highlights how there is limited understanding as to the appropriate measures used to determine talent in youth swimming, and the key factors which underpin high-level youth swimming. Findings suggest identifying swimmers at young ages is a seemingly difficult task. Not one single factor was the best predictor of performance, adding to the difficult task of defining ‘talent’. Considering the elusive definition of ‘talent’, and the dynamic, multifactorial nature of swimming performance along with the inconsistent findings between studies in each factor, practitioners focus should be directed to talent development. Testing batteries should be designed that aim to test a wide range of swimming specific, individual, and environmental factors, providing a holistic approach to identifying swimmers. Swimmers that show some level of potential across numerous tests should be selected and placed into development squads. The primary goal then being to develop the swimmers’ skills while tracking long-term progress. This will potentially allow relatively younger swimmers, and late maturers a chance to be identified instead of being overlooked within TI programs. Conflict of interest statement: My co-authors and I acknowledge that we have no conflict of interest of relevance to the submission of this abstract.

Anthropometric Characteristics of Elite Male Taekwondo Players Based on Weight Categories

PurposeThe aim of this study was to investigate the anthropometric characteristics of elite taekwondo players based on weight categories, and to determine if the length of the lower extremities might influence player’s success-level. A total of 59 elite male taekwondo players (22.02 ± 3.07 years) participated in this study.MethodsAll anthropometric assessments were performed according to the standards and methodology of the International Society for Advancement of Kinanthropometry. The 18 anthropometrical variables were measured for each athlete and compared between 7 different weight categories. The players were also divided into two groups (national and international) and the ratios of sitting-height to stature were compared.ResultsThere were significant differences (P < 0.05) between weight divisions in stature, body mass index, percentage of body fat, endomorphy, and mesomorphy, which were greater (P < 0.05) in heavy weight groups than light weight groups, and ectomorphy, which was greater (P < 0.05) in very light weight groups compared with the other weights. There was no significant difference in lean mass index (P > 0.05) between weight groups. Sitting height/stature ratio was significantly different (P < 0.05) between the two groups, where the international group had longer lower extremities than the national group.ConclusionThe findings of this study provide a valuable framework to support talent identification programmes and the development of specialised preparatory strategies for different weight divisions with the sport.

Early Specialization and Critical Periods in Acquiring Expertise: A Comparison of Traditional Versus Detection Talent Identification in Team GB Cycling at London 2012

The aim of this study was to compare two methodologies employed by the British Cycling talent identification program. Specifically, the authors investigated cyclists selected to represent GB cycling team at the London 2012 Olympics using (a) a traditional talent identification methodology (British Cycling Olympic Development Program), where selection is based upon race results and (b) a detection talent identification methodology (U.K. Sport Talent Team Program), which is a multi-Olympic event initiative that identifies athletic potential from physical and skill-based tests. To facilitate this comparison, the authors calculated the speed with which expertise was acquired. A Mann–WhitneyUtest (U = 16.0,p = .031) indicated that the speed of acquiring expertise was quicker in detection talent identification (Mdn = 5.4) than traditional talent identification (Mdn = 7.2). Practice started later with detection talent identification than with traditional talent identification (14.12 years vs. 11.23 years, respectively), which affected the period to excellence. Thus, detection talent identification resulted in an absence of early specialization, which suggests a critical period for attaining cycling expertise. The authors hypothesize a genetic basis of talent and propose that critical periods are important in detection talent identification programs.

Physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players across five competition levels

ABSTRACT Objectives To examine physical fitness profiles of female Australian football players and investigate differences according to competition level. Methods A testing battery of 28 physical fitness assessments was undertaken with 240 players across five competition levels: elite senior (≥18 years), non-elite senior (≥18 years), high-level junior (<18 years), non-elite junior (14–17 years), and non-elite junior (10–13 years). Physical fitness profiles were examined and competition level differences were investigated using multivariate analyses of variance. Results Significant differences (p<0.001) were observed between competition levels in body composition (η2 p=0.225), flexibility (η2 p=0.071), muscular strength and endurance (η2 p=0.238), balance (η2 p=0.093), reaction time (η2 p=0.103), and whole-body locomotor performance (η2 p=0.200). Elite seniors and high-level juniors were stronger (p<0.001–0.043), faster (p=0.001–0.022), more responsive (p<0.001–0.048), and had better cardiorespiratory fitness (p<0.001) compared to the non-elite groups. Additionally, body composition and muscular strength and endurance differences were common between the senior and non-elite junior groups. Conclusions This is the first study to comprehensively profile physical characteristics of female Australian footballers across a broader development pathway. These preliminary findings may assist sport practitioners to better understand athlete development, provide insight on talent identification and development programs, and injury management in this population.

Impact of Orphaned and Vulnerable Children’s (OVC) Intervention Programs on their Holistic Wellbeing in Kenya.

This paper examines the impact of OVC intervention programs on the holistic wellbeing of children in Residential children homes in Kajiado West sub-county. The question however is, how effective are the programs conducted in these homes to the wellbeing of the children? A mixed-methods research design was adopted for the study using both qualitative and quantitative data. Targeting one residential home in the sub-county that comprised children between the age of 12 to 25 years, a sample of 20 children was purposively selected from eighth grade, high school and tertiary institution going children as they were at a stage where they could provide relevant information given the length of their stay at the residential home. Data was then collected using self-administered questionnaires and an interview guide, which was further analysed descriptively, drawing findings, conclusions, and recommendations. The study evaluated the overall wellbeing of the children in various aspects, including their education, shelter, food and nutrition, economic status, protection, mental health and family with food and nutrition, shelter and spirituality having a higher impact at an average mean of 2.76, 2.73 and 2.73 respectively. Among the programs evaluated, mission visitors played a significant role in influencing children’s holistic wellbeing depicting a mean of 2.73 followed by talent identification programs at 2.50, Computer Programs at 2.40, Music lessons at 2.11 and Foreign Language at 2.00.

Talent Identification in Youth Soccer: Prognosis of U17 Soccer Performance on the Basis of General Athleticism and Talent Promotion Interventions in Second-Grade Children.

Several talent identification programs in elementary school have implemented motor diagnostics to introduce children to groups of sports, like game sports, or even to particular sports like soccer. However, as in most other sports, in youth soccer, the predictive value of such early testing is still unclear. This prospective study evaluated the midterm prognostic validity of generic motor performance tests. The sample consisted of male second-grade children, which had received a recommendation to participate in soccer. The talent screening campaign was a basic check comprising two anthropometric parameters, five physical fitness, and three motor competence diagnostics of the German Motor Test 6–18. The test data were collected from the participating elementary school classes of the years 2010 to 2014. The soccer competition performance of those children having completed the age of at least 15 years (n = 502) up to the end of the season 2019/2020 (2020, September 30) was recorded. This group of U17 players was then assigned individually to five different competition levels. The prognostic validity of the physical and physiological tests was determined using ANOVAs, odds ratios, and a regression path analysis. All diagnostic methods exhibited medium-to-high prognostic validity over the 8 year time span from the talent screening to the later soccer competitions in the adolescent age groups. For later success in soccer on the province level, the 6-min run (OR = 4.28), dynamic balance (OR = 4.04), and 20-m sprint (OR = 2.46), as well as the participation in the training center of the German Soccer Federation (OR = 5.67) and the diversity of club sport activities (OR = 3.56), were of particular importance.

Talent Development in Sport Requires Athlete Enrichment: Contemporary Insights from a Nonlinear Pedagogy and the Athletic Skills Model.

Traditional talent identification and development programs have sought to identify and select the most promising children as athletes of the future, to provide them with specialised training and preparation for expert performance in sport from an early age. Traditional models of talent identification and development tend to be linear, emphasising the numbers of hours spent in specialised training. However, major concerns have been raised by evidence emerging on psycho-emotional and physical issues with early specialisation programmes, and negative associations with wellbeing and mental health. More contemporary models of talent development emphasise a deep integration of specialised training with more general enrichment of athleticism. This integrative process enhances self-regulation processes of perception and action, as well as emotional control and social interactions, all of which underpin sports performance at elite and sub-elite levels. Here, we discuss insights and principles of contemporary models of pedagogy, such as Nonlinear Pedagogy (NLP) and the Athletic Skills Model (ASM), which offer valuable frameworks for talent development. We conclude by considering implications of adopting such principles for developing athlete functionality in specific performance environments.

Construct validity of percentage of predicted adult height and BAUS skeletal age to assess biological maturity in academy soccer

Background The assessment of biological maturity status plays an important role in talent identification and development programs. Aim To compare age at predicted adult height and BAUS skeletal age as indicators of biological maturity status in youth soccer players using a construct-validity approach. Subjects and methods Participants were 114 players from the U12 to U17 age groups of a professional youth soccer academy. Maturity status was determined via percentage of predicted adult height based upon the Khamis-Roche method (somatic maturity) and assessed via the SonicBone BAUSTM system (skeletal maturity). Convergent and known-groups validity were evaluated between maturity assessment methods and by comparing maturity-related selection biases across age groups. Results Although maturity status indicators were largely interrelated (r = .94, 95%CL 0.91–0.96), concordance (κ = 0.31 to 0.39) and Spearman’s rank-order correlations (ρ = 0.45–0.52) of classification methods were moderate. A selection bias towards early maturing players emerged in the U14 age group which remained relatively consistent through to the U17 age group. Conclusions Results confirm the construct-validity of both methods to assess biological maturity status although further validation relative to established indicators of biological maturity is needed. Furthermore, caution is also warranted when interpreting maturity status classification methods interchangeably given the poor concordance between classification methods.

How can clubs play an essential role in talent identification and development programmes? A case study of German football

HRM activities include resourcing and development, compensation and incentives, and involvement and job design. In modern football, players influence the value of a team. In this regard, the benefits of club collaboration with talent identification and talent development programmes are the expansion of football, savings in player values, monetization, and transferring value to the teams. This study examined the role of German clubs in the country’s talent identification programme using a qualitative meta-synthesis approach that followed Sandelowski and Barroso’s method. From the 70 documents selected, 923 open codes and 186 concepts were obtained. The results demonstrated that legal developments and their implications in the centralized and global management of German football leagues have been significant in optimally managing clubs and establishing appropriate cooperation with other football institutions, including the German Football Association (DFB) and the German Football League (DFL) with DFB regional bases, performance centres, amateur clubs, and regional/state associations.

Dissemination and Training of Identification and Development of Sport Talent for Physical Education Teachers and Sports Trainers in the Province of West Sumatra

In many sporting events that have been held both nationally and internationally, Indonesia is still ranked below. Observations that have been made on PJOK teachers and trainers have found that they have not been able to identify and develop sports talent optimally by applying science. Research that has been done proves that an athlete is not only born but is also created through an appropriate talent identification program. There are at least two instruments that can be used to identify children's talents, namely I do and I Like. This application I like is online and saves and processes the data of children that we input and then will provide an output in the form of a dominant sport that is suitable for children. While I do in the form of tests of the ability of children with predetermined instruments. This service activity aims to: a) have skills in identifying and developing talent, b) understand and be skilled in using I do and I like instruments as part of talent identification, c) able to implement the management of talent identification instruments in their respective places. The method used uses the principle that every innovation received by PJOK teachers and trainers through PIE (Preparation, Implementation and Evaluation). This means that the delivery of innovations to Partners is taken through the stages of explanation, discussion, practice and evaluation stages are carried out with assistance in the learning and training process

Defining the attributes for specific playing positions in football match-play: A complex systems approach

ABSTRACT Introduction Talent identification and development programmes that retain and develop athletes are integral to the sporting success of National Governing Bodies in football. Currently, player attributes are studied in isolation without considering the complexity of interacting components of football performance. The current study applied a systems analysis framework to describe, in a structured and systematic way, the attributes for specific playing positions in football match-play. Methods: Eight high-level football coaches were interviewed. Models of the interacting attributes were developed for each position using Work Domain Analysis (WDA). Results: Six WDA models detail the attributes associated with each playing position. The models identified purposes of playing positions (restrict opposition actions, organise and coordinate, building up of offence, goal scoring and stretch opposition), performance-related measures and the functions required to achieve the playing position purposes (game play, psychological functions, time and space and player actions). Critically, the relationships between the purposes, measures, functions, processes, and objects are described in the models. Discussion The WDA models describe the interacting attributes of different playing positions in football match-play. The findings demonstrate football performance is complex, consisting of multiple interacting and dynamic components. Implications to support coaches in talent identification and development are discussed.

Fulfillment of basic psychological needs: a qualitative investigation of strategies used by elite youth soccer coaches

An optimal coaching style can result in the simultaneous fulfillment of individuals’ basic psychological needs of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. According to self-determination theory, such need fulfillment increases the likelihood that athletes will experience self-determined motivation, which, in turn, has been found to positively affect their cognition, affect, and behavior. The purpose of the current research was to investigate specific strategies elite youth soccer coaches use that they believe nurture athletes’ perceptions of competence, autonomy, and relatedness. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16 coaches from the German Soccer Association’s (Deutscher Fusball-Bund) talent identification and development program. Using thematic analysis, five themes were constructed: (a) Design task-oriented practices, (b) transfer tasks and responsibilities to players within boundaries, (c) support players in the development and implementation of optimal goals, (d) promote positive interactions within the team, and (e) show players appreciation independent of their performance. The present findings allow for a more nuanced understanding of need-supportive coaching and its application in the coach–athlete relationship.

Impact of Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristics on Serve Velocity in Elite Junior Tennis Players.

Fett, J, Ulbricht, A, and Ferrauti, A. Impact of physical performance and anthropometric characteristics on serve velocity in elite junior tennis players. J Strength Cond Res 34(1): 192-202, 2020-This study aimed to investigate the impact of physical performance components and anthropometric characteristics on serve velocity (SV) in elite junior tennis players depending on the sex and age group. A sample of the best 1,019 (male = 625, female = 394) junior squad tennis players of the German Tennis Federation participated in the study involving complex anthropometric measurements (body height, body mass, sitting height, and arm span) and physical tests (e.g., SV, medicine ball throws [MBTs], hand grip strength, push-ups, back extension, countermovement jumps [CMJs], horizontal jumps, 20-m sprint, and tennis-specific endurance). Of all the anthropometric and physical characteristics analyzed, the MBTs (r = 0.49-0.60♂; r = 0.20-0.60♀), hand grip strength (r = 0.43-0.59♂; r = 0.27-0.37♀), arm span (r = 0.37-0.56♂; r = 0.24-0.36♀), body height (r = 0.31-0.52♂; r = 0.26-0.38♀), and body mass (r = 0.44-0.57♂; r = 0.35-0.39♀) were particularly closely correlated with SV. The results of the multiple regression analysis indicated that the combination of selected predictors (e.g., MBTs, grip strength, arm span, and body mass) explained 41-66% of the variance in SV of boys and 19-45%, respectively, for girls. The results reinforce that service speed is dependent on physical abilities and anthropometric characteristics but also strongly on additional factors (i.e., technical components). In particular, the upper-body power/strength is important to the junior players' service, especially in athletes with a greater body height and arm span (i.e., biomechanical advantages), whereas purely lower-body power (e.g., CMJ) is less important. To this effect, talent identification and intervention programs focusing on the specific requirements are recommended.

The relationship between sport-specific training and a perceptuo-motor skills assessment as part of talent identification in young table tennis players (8-10 years)

A perceptuo-motor skills assessment was developed to better estimate the potential of youth table tennis players (8-10 years). Sport-specific training experience might influence the outcomes of this assessment and hinder a fair interpretation. Consequently, the aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between the training experience (i.e. quantity and quality) and the perceptuo-motor skills assessment outcomes in youth table tennis players. For this purpose, data were collected during the national association’s talent days in the Netherlands (2010-2015). In total, 372 young table tennis players (8-10 years) were assessed by a perceptuo-motor skills questionnaire covering current training (hours/week), total training volume (hours) and quality of the trainer (high versus low). Non-parametric partial correlation analyses showed that training quantity outcomes (i.e. current training and training volume) are significantly associated with the test items of speed while dribbling, aiming at target and eye-hand coordination in both sexes with small to medium effect sizes. The multivariate GLM analyses revealed no significant differences between players receiving high versus low quality training regarding the perceptuo-motor skills assessment. The results indicated only a small transfer of skill and a substantial amount of task specificity; as such it seems legitimate to use the perceptuo-motor skills assessment as part of a talent identification programme. However, it seems sensible to take the training volume into account for a fair interpretation of the estimation of potential, especially when large differences exist between players regarding the training experience. Future studies using a longitudinal design could reveal more about the effect of training.

Pattern Recognition on Anthropometric and Fitness Components Relative Birth-month Quartiles among Malaysian Boys and Girls

Biasness selection during talent identification program in sports may occurred due to the chronological age system applied nowadays. The aim of this study is to recognize pattern on anthropometric and fitness components relative birth-month quartiles among studied population. A total of 39372 boys (aged 7.36 ± 0.29 year) and 33723 girls aged (7.34 ± 0.29 year) were classified into four chronological birth-month groups which is first quartile (Q1 - Jan to March), second quartile (Q2-Apr to June), third quartile (Q3 - July to Sept) and fourth quartile (Q4 - Oct to Dec) involved in this study. Multiple analysis of variance (MANOVA) revealed significant difference of F(18, 111336), p &lt; 0.0001, p &lt; 0.05 and F (18, 95358), p-value &lt; 0.0001, alpha=0.05 between four birth-month quartiles for boy and girl participants, respectively. Tukey (HSD) follow up test of analysis of variance revealed that studied population are significantly difference in body weight, standing height, explosive leg power, hand-eye coordination and speed for all the contrast with p-value &lt; 0.0001, alpha=0.05. However, result found no significant different for flexibility within all the contrast for boys and girls. Present study also revelaed a stronger influence of RAE among boys as compared to girls. The information of evidence-based of anthropometric and fitness performance according birth-month quartile would able to reduce RAE that may cause bias and subjective decision making for talent identification in sports.

The influence of upper-body mechanics, anthropometry and isokinetic strength on performance in wrist-spin cricket bowling

ABSTRACTDelivering a cricket ball with a wrist-spin (WS) bowling technique is considered one of the game’s most difficult skills. Limited biomechanical information exists for WS bowlers across skill levels. The purpose of this study was to compare biomechanical, isokinetic strength and anthropometric measures between elite (12) and pathway bowlers (eight). Data were collected using a motion analysis system, dynamometer and a level-two anthropometrist. A regression analysis identified that performance was best explained by increased wrist radial deviation torque and longitudinal axis rotational moments at the shoulder and wrist. From back foot impact (BFI) to ball release (BR), elite bowlers rotated their trunks less, experienced less trunk deceleration resulting in a more front-on position and increased pelvis rotation angular velocity. They also displayed an increased shoulder internal rotation moment as the upper arm moved from external into internal rotation and was a major contributor in the subsequent differences observed in the distal segments of the bowling limb. Anthropometric differences were observed at the wrist and finger joints and may be used to form the basis for talent identification programmes. This study highlights the important contribution to bowling performance of the musculature responsible for producing long axis rotations of the bowling limb.

The consistency of performance among age group swimmers over 8 consecutive years

Little is known about the evolution of career pathways among young athletes. This study aims primarily to explore how consistent career pathways develop among age group swimmers. Each of three sub-cohorts of German 11-year-olds ranked top 100 from 2004 to 2006 were followed, as measured by their best Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) point score, for 8 years up to the age of 18 years of age. Careers were reckoned as consistent when athletes still appeared in the top 100 at 18. The degree of consistency of performance was measured by the number of years which those who started in the top 100, remained in the top 100. Correlational analysis examined the relationships between success at 11 and the consistency profile over 8 years. These results showed weak consistency of performance among age group swimmers. Only 33% of those ranked among the top 100 at 11 years were also ranked in the top 100 at 18, and only 23% were consistently ranked. The best performance in a certain event, stroke or distance category showed no significant correlation or a low level of correlation with consistency. The results confirm that we still know too little about the consequences of talent identification, talent development and long-term athlete development programmes.

The adolescent motor performance development of elite female soccer players: A study of prognostic relevance for future success in adulthood using multilevel modelling

ABSTRACT Considering the scarce empirical evidence regarding talent predictors in female youth soccer, the present study aimed to investigate the long-term prognostic validity of elite female soccer players’ adolescent motor performance for future success in adulthood. Additionally, the three-year development of highly talented girls’ motor performance and the predictive value of this motor development for reaching a professional adult performance level (APL) was analysed. Overall, N = 737 female players participated in nationwide motor diagnostics (sprinting, agility, dribbling, ball control, shooting) within the German Soccer Association’s talent identification and development programme at least twice between the age groups Under-12 (U12) and U15. Based on their APL at least four years later, participants were assigned to a professional (first German division, 6.2%) or non-professional group (lower divisions, 93.8%). Multilevel regression analyses revealed a general prognostic relevance for the investigated parameters with respect to players’ APL. In addition, there was a non-linear improvement in participants’ motor performance across all variables from U12 to U15. However, non-significant interactions between APL and these improvements indicate motor performance development itself cannot adequately predict players’ future success in adulthood. Findings provide insightful information that can help coaches foster optimal support for young female soccer players’ development.