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Kelly AL, Williams CA, Jackson DT, Turnnidge J, Reeves MJ, Dugdale JH, Wilson MR. Exploring the role of socioeconomic status and psychological characteristics on talent development in an English soccer academy. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2024; 8:251-259. [PMID: 37161818 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2023.2213191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Social factors and psychological characteristics can influence selection and development in talent pathways. However, the interaction between these two factors is relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the implications of socioeconomic status and psychological characteristics in English academy soccer players (n = 58; aged 11 to 16 years). To assess socioeconomic status, participants' home postcodes were coded according to each individual's social classification and credit rating, applying the UK General Registrar Classification system and CameoTM geodemographic database, respectively. Participants also completed the six factor Psychological Characteristics for Developing Excellence Questionnaire (PCDEQ). A classification of 'higher-potentials' (n = 19) and 'lower-potentials' (n = 19) were applied through coach potential rankings. Data were standardised using z-scores to eliminate age bias and data were analysed using independent sample t-tests. Results showed that higher-potentials derived from families with significantly lower social classifications (p = 0.014) and reported higher levels for PCDEQ Factor 3 (coping with performance and developmental pressures) (p = 0.007) compared to lower-potentials. This study can be used to support the impetus for researchers and practitioners to consider the role of social factors and psychological characteristics when selecting and developing sporting talent. For example, facilitating player-centred development within an academy and, where necessary, providing individuals with additional support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam L Kelly
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
- Exeter City Football Club, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Craig A Williams
- College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
| | - Daniel T Jackson
- Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jennifer Turnnidge
- School of Kinesiology and Health Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
| | - Matthew J Reeves
- UCLan Research Centre for Applied Sport, Physical Activity & Performance, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
| | - James H Dugdale
- Physiology Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, UK
| | - Mark R Wilson
- College of Life & Environmental Sciences, University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK
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Werneck FZ, Coelho EF, Matta MDO, Silva RCP, Figueiredo AJB. Goldfit Soccer: A Multidimensional Model for Talent Identification of Young Soccer Players. RESEARCH QUARTERLY FOR EXERCISE AND SPORT 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38885196 DOI: 10.1080/02701367.2024.2347983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Studies have provided empirical evidence on the prognostic relevance of test batteries and the "coach's eye" for talent identification. The aims were 1) to compare objective and subjective assessments as well as a combined soccer-specific potential index between future selected and non-selected players and 2) to evaluate the prognostic validity of a multidimensional model as a tool for talent identification in soccer. The sample was composed by 132 male players (14,5 ± 1,4 years; regional competitive level) from U13 to U17 age groups of a Brazilian soccer talent development program. Athletes completed a multidimensional test battery and were subjectively rated by their coaches for sporting potential. Players' success was evaluated five years later and was operationalized by achieving under-20 category of the Brazilian Championship or adult professional level (success rate, 15.9%). Confirming univariate prognostic validity, future selected outperformed non-selected players regarding 20-m sprint (p = .009), agility (p = .04), countermovement jump (p = .04), sit-and-reach (p = .001), Yo-Yo IR1 (p = .001), dribbling (p < .001), perceived competence (p = .007), peaking under pressure (p = .01), confidence/motivation (p = .03), coping skills (p = .03), intangibles (p < .001) and player potential (p < .001). A combined index (objective tests, athlete's assessments and coach's eye) named Gold Score Soccer (GSS) showed high prognostic validity (p < .001). A binary logistic regression estimated the probability of success (yes/not) with GSS, ambidextrous and predicted age at peak height velocity as predictors. This multidimensional model named GoldFit Soccer showed high prognostic validity (sensitivity = 85.7%; specificity = 83.8%; accuracy = 84.1%; area under the ROC curve = .93 [.87-.98]). Thus, GoldFit Soccer is a valid multidimensional scientific model for talent identification in soccer.
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Lüdin D, Donath L, Romann M. Disagreement between talent scouts: Implications for improved talent assessment in youth football. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:758-765. [PMID: 37490515 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2239614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Reliable talent identification and selection (TID) processes are prerequisites to accurately select young athletes with the most potential for talent development programmes. Knowledge about the agreement between scouts who play a key role in the initial TID in football is lacking. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement within four groups of a total of n = 83 talent scouts during rank assessment of under-11 male youth football players (n = 24, age = 11.0 ± 0.3 years) and to describe scouts' underlying approach to assess talent. Krippendorff's α estimates indicated disagreement of scouts' rankings within all groups of scouts (αA = 0.09, αB = 0.03, αC = 0.05, αD = 0.02). Scouts reported relying mainly on their overall impression when forming their final prediction about a player. Reportings of a consistent, structured approach were less prevalent. Taken together, results indicated that different approaches to TID may be associated with disagreement on selection decisions. In order to overcome disagreement in TID, football organisations are encouraged to establish a more structured process. Future research on the elaboration and benefit of ranking guidelines incorporating decomposed and independently evaluated sub-predictors is recommended to improve the reliability of TID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Lüdin
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, Department of Elite Sport, Magglingen, Switzerland
| | - Lars Donath
- Department of Intervention Research in Exercise Training, German Sport University Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Michael Romann
- Swiss Federal Institute of Sport Magglingen, Department of Elite Sport, Magglingen, Switzerland
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Coaches’ Criteria for Talent Identification of Youth Male Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10020014. [PMID: 35202054 PMCID: PMC8875243 DOI: 10.3390/sports10020014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The main aim of this study was to examine which criteria coaches considered in the talent identification of youth male soccer players aged 13–16. The second aim was to describe how the coaches considered these criteria when identifying players for their club or regional teams and how these criteria take the impact of the relative age effect into consideration. Methods: We conducted qualitative, semi-structured interviews with six male coaches from a professional club academy or a regional team within the Norwegian Football Federation. Results: In line with earlier research, the results showed that the coaches considered the technical, tactical, and mental factors as the most important in talent identification. Further in line with earlier research, they considered that the physiological and sociological factors were of secondary importance, while anthropometric measures were considered the least important. Regarding the relative age effect, the coaches were aware of the effect and its consequences, while few of them had ways to reduce the effect and its impact on their talent identification process. Even so, the coaches highlighted the importance of considering a holistic approach to talent identification. Conclusion: The results show similarities with earlier research, but there is still a need for more longitudinal studies that investigate criteria for talent identification in youth football.
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Rogers M, Crozier AJ, Schranz NK, Eston RG, Tomkinson GR. Player Profiling and Monitoring in Basketball: A Delphi Study of the Most Important Non-Game Performance Indicators from the Perspective of Elite Athlete Coaches. Sports Med 2021; 52:1175-1187. [PMID: 34739718 DOI: 10.1007/s40279-021-01584-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Little is known about which indicators of performance elite athlete coaches (i.e., professional coaches who coach at the national or international levels) consider to be important for basketball. OBJECTIVE Using a Delphi procedure, the aim of this study was to identify the non-game performance indicators elite athlete coaches consider to be important for the recruitment/selection of basketball players. METHODS Ninety elite athlete coaches (basketball coaches (n = 71) and strength/conditioning coaches (n = 19) who coached men (n = 60), women (n = 23), or both (n = 7)), employed in 23 countries across six continents, participated in a three-round online Delphi survey. Round 1 asked coaches to identify the non-game performance indicators (i.e., measures other than game statistics) they currently used (or would like to use) for player recruitment/selection, with common indicators combined into single indicators. Round 2 asked coaches to rate the importance of each performance indicator using a Likert scale (range: 0 = no importance whatsoever to 10 = extremely important). Round 3 asked coaches to identify the single best test measure for each indicator rated ≥ 6 (i.e., important to extremely important) in Round 2. Results were reported descriptively. RESULTS A total of 608 responses (344 after removal of duplicates) were reported in Round 1, which were collapsed into 35 indicators, all of which were rated as 'important' in Round 2. Psychological and game intelligence indicators were typically rated as very important to extremely important (i.e., median = 9), with physical fitness and movement skills typically rated as very important (i.e., median = 8). For most indicators, coach observation was identified as the best test measure, with unique objective performance/anthropometric tests identified for all physical fitness indicators. CONCLUSION This study identified a range of psychological, game intelligence, physical fitness, and movement skill indicators that were considered by elite athlete coaches to be important to extremely important for the recruitment/selection of basketball players. These findings may inform the development of a basketball-specific test battery for recruiting/selecting and monitoring players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Rogers
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.
| | - Alyson J Crozier
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Natasha K Schranz
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.,Wellbeing SA, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Roger G Eston
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Grant R Tomkinson
- Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA), Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia.,Department of Education, Health and Behavior Studies, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA
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Bergkamp TLG, Frencken WGP, Niessen ASM, Meijer RR, den Hartigh RJR. How soccer scouts identify talented players. Eur J Sport Sci 2021; 22:994-1004. [PMID: 33858300 DOI: 10.1080/17461391.2021.1916081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Scouts of soccer clubs are often the first to identify talented players. However, there is a lack of research on how these scouts assess and predict overall soccer performance. Therefore, we conducted a large-scaled study to examine the process of talent identification among 125 soccer scouts. Through an online self-report questionnaire, scouts were asked about (1) the players' age at which they can predict players' soccer performance, (2) the attributes they consider relevant, and (3) the extent to which they predict performance in a structured manner. The most important results are as follows. First, scouts who observed 12-year-old and younger players perceived they could predict at older ages (13.6 years old, on average) whether a player has the potential to become a professional soccer player. This suggests that scouts are aware of the idea that early indicators of later performance are often lacking, yet do advise on selection of players at younger ages. Second, when identifying talented players, scouts considered more easily observable attributes, such as technical attributes. However, scouts described these often in a broad sense rather than in terms of specific predictors of future performance. Finally, scouts reported that they assess attributes of players in a structured manner. Yet, they ultimately based their prediction (i.e. final score) on an intuitive integration of different performance attributes, which is a suboptimal strategy according to existing literature. Taken together, these outcomes provide specific clues to improve the reliability and validity of the scouting process. HighlightsBased on a large sample of soccer scouts, we examine three issues that are important in the process of identifying talented soccer players: The age at which good performance predictions can be made, which attributes are relevant predictors, and how performance predictions are formed.Scouts who observe players in young age cohorts believe that the age at which they can predict performance is older than the players they typically scout, suggesting that they are aware that early indicators of performance are often lacking.Technical performance attributes are considered as most important performance predictors by scouts, but these are often described in a broad - rather than specific - sense.Scouts indicate that they predict performance in a structured manner, but form their overall performance prediction on an intuitive integration of different performance attributes, which can be a suboptimal approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tom L G Bergkamp
- Department of Psychometrics and Statistics, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Wouter G P Frencken
- Center for Human Movement Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.,Football Club Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - A Susan M Niessen
- Department of Psychometrics and Statistics, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Rob R Meijer
- Department of Psychometrics and Statistics, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ruud J R den Hartigh
- Department of Developmental Psychology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
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Dugdale JH, McRobert AP, Unnithan VB. Selected, Deselected, and Reselected: A Case Study Analysis of Attributes Associated With Player Reselection Following Closure of a Youth Soccer Academy. Front Sports Act Living 2021; 3:633124. [PMID: 33834165 PMCID: PMC8021956 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2021.633124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Considering the perceived benefit of early recruitment and the time and resources spent developing youth players, individuals released from talent development programmes are often re-recruited by rival academies. However, due to the contractual nature of many talent development programmes, limited empirical data exists on players deselected from (or reselected to) youth soccer academies. Adopting a novel case study approach, differences in skill, psychological, and physical attributes associated with reselection following closure of a junior-elite soccer academy were explored. Overall subjective coach ratings for skill, psychological, and physical abilities; subjective coach ratings for skill and psychological attributes; and physical fitness test performance of 79 junior-elite soccer players (U11-U17) were assessed as part of regular scheduled testing and monitoring practices prior to the academy closure. Reselection status was monitored and recorded for all players in the 6 months following the academy closure and was classified as a persistence/progression ("Reselected") or attrition ("Deselected") in playing level. Of the 79 released players, a total of 60 players (76%) were re-signed to a junior-elite academy within 6 months. Differences were observed for overall ratings of skill, psychological, and physical abilities in favor of the "Reselected" player group. "Reselected" players were also rated higher by coaches for all attributes categorized as skill and psychological, as well as performing better at all physical fitness tests. However, "Reselected" players were lesser in stature and body mass and less mature than "Deselected" players. Our findings suggest that reselection is not a product of anthropometric criteria and, therefore, a pathway for selection remains open for later maturing players. We also inform upon desirable qualities associated with player reselection and provide a case study approach of a unique, yet highly relevant, scenario for talent identification and development in youth soccer.
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Affiliation(s)
- James H. Dugdale
- Physiology Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, United Kingdom
| | - Allistair P. McRobert
- The Football Exchange, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
- Research Institute for Sport & Exercise Sciences, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Viswanath B. Unnithan
- Division of Sport and Exercise, School of Health and Life Sciences, University of the West of Scotland, Hamilton, United Kingdom
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Dugdale JH, Sanders D, Myers T, Williams AM, Hunter AM. A case study comparison of objective and subjective evaluation methods of physical qualities in youth soccer players. J Sports Sci 2020; 38:1304-1312. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2020.1766177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James H. Dugdale
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
| | - Dajo Sanders
- Department of Human Movement Science, Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Tony Myers
- Sport, Physical Activity and Health Research Centre, Newman University, Birmingham, UK
| | - A. Mark Williams
- Department of Health Kinesiology, and Recreation, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Angus M. Hunter
- Physiology, Exercise and Nutrition Research Group, Faculty of Health Sciences and Sport, University of Stirling, Stirling, Scotland, UK
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McGuckian TB, Beavan A, Mayer J, Chalkley D, Pepping GJ. The association between visual exploration and passing performance in high-level U13 and U23 football players. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2020. [DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2020.1769174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas B. McGuckian
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Adam Beavan
- Institute of Sports and Preventive Medicine, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jan Mayer
- TSG 1899 Hoffenheim, Zuzenhausen, Germany
| | - Daniel Chalkley
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Gert-Jan Pepping
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Brisbane, Australia
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Roberts SJ, Rudd JR, Reeves MJ. Efficacy of using non-linear pedagogy to support attacking players’ individual learning objectives in elite-youth football: A randomised cross-over trial. J Sports Sci 2019; 38:1454-1464. [DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2019.1609894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Simon J. Roberts
- School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - James R. Rudd
- School of Sport Studies, Leisure and Nutrition, Liverpool John Moores University, Liverpool, UK
| | - Matthew J. Reeves
- Institute of Coaching and Performance (ICaP), Faculty of Sport, Health and Wellbeing, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, UK
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