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Morganti G, Brustio PR, Ruscello B, Apollaro G, Padua E, Kelly AL. Birth Advantages in Male Italian Soccer: How They Influence Players Youth Career and Their Future Career Status. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:103. [PMID: 38668571 PMCID: PMC11054811 DOI: 10.3390/sports12040103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Soccer organizations generally adopt deterministic models within their talent pathways. In this framework, early ability and results are emphasized, leading to selection biases, such as birth advantages (i.e., relative age effects and birthplace effects), which research has shown affect both early developmental experiences and continued sporting involvement. Accordingly, this study aimed to (a) provide further test of birth advantages in Italian youth soccer by exploring the birth quarter (BQ) and birthplace (BP) distribution of 1050 male Italian players born between 1999 and 2001 who competed in the national U17 championship throughout the 2015-16 season and (b) investigate how birth advantages influenced selected players' future career status. Chi-square goodness-of-fit tests revealed early born players, and players born in North Italy were overrepresented at the youth level (p-values < 0.0001). Successive prospective analysis revealed only 18% of players developed into professional-level soccer players. Chi-square tests of independence indicated that players' BP was associated with their future career status (p < 0.0001), whereas their BQ was not (p = 0.459). Odds ratios showed players born in North Italy were five times more likely to complete the youth-to-senior transition than those born in South Italy. These findings highlighted environmental factors influence Italian players' early developmental experiences and their future career status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Morganti
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (B.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Paolo Riccardo Brustio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy;
| | - Bruno Ruscello
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (B.R.); (E.P.)
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, “Tor Vergata” University, 00133 Rome, Italy
- LUISS SportLab, 00197 Rome, Italy
| | - Gennaro Apollaro
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics and Maternal Child Health, University of Genoa, 16126 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Elvira Padua
- Department of Human Sciences and Promotion of the Quality of Life, San Raffaele Roma Open University, 00166 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (B.R.); (E.P.)
| | - Adam L. Kelly
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK
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Runswick OR, Ould-Dada H, Lewis D. The developmental activities of women's professional pathway cricketers. J Sports Sci 2024; 42:547-557. [PMID: 38713541 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2024.2351290] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
The growth of investment in women's cricket has led to the development of new professional pathways. However, there is lack of specific evidence to support the development of these athletes. This study aimed to take a first step in understanding the participation histories of female cricketers selected into English women's professional academies. 84 players completed the Participation History Questionnaire (PHQ) to capture details of activities engaged in across development, including milestones, cricket activity, and engagement in other sport activities. There were relative age effects where players' birthdate distributions differed from national norms (X2 = 8.451, p = .003, V = 0.227), and more players than expected attended independent schools (X2 = 7.980, p = .005, V = 0.232). Participants engaged in cricket informally before coach led training, have siblings (particularly brothers) interested in cricket and often played boy's cricket before engaging in the girl's or women's game. Developmental activities were characterised by early engagement, high levels of diversification, and very low levels of play compared to high levels of formal practice and match play. These findings have implications for the advancement of talent identification and development policies and processes in women's cricket.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliver R Runswick
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hasna Ould-Dada
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, United Kingdom
| | - Di Lewis
- England and Wales Cricket Board, London, United Kingdom
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Coutinho D, Travassos B, Santos S, Figueiredo P, Kelly AL. Special Issue "Sports Science in Children". CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:202. [PMID: 38397315 PMCID: PMC10887797 DOI: 10.3390/children11020202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
In recent times, research and technological advancements have opened an unprecedented window of opportunity for sports science to play a pivotal role in the holistic well-being of children [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Diogo Coutinho
- Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Maia (UMAIA), 4475-690 Maia, Portugal
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (B.T.); (S.S.)
| | - Bruno Travassos
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (B.T.); (S.S.)
- Department of Sports Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal
- Portugal Football School, Portuguese Football Federation, 5001-801 Oeiras, Portugal
| | - Sara Santos
- Research Center in Sports Sciences, Health Sciences and Human Development, CIDESD, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; (B.T.); (S.S.)
- Department of Sports Sciences, Exercise and Health, University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Pedro Figueiredo
- Physical Education Department, College of Education, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Adam Leigh Kelly
- Research for Athlete and Youth Sport Development (RAYSD) Lab, Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, UK;
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Morganti G, Kelly AL, Apollaro G, Pantanella L, Esposito M, Grossi A, Ruscello B. Relative age effects and the youth-to-senior transition in Italian soccer: the underdog hypothesis versus knock-on effects of relative age. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2023; 7:406-412. [PMID: 36103671 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2125170] [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: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Relative Age Effects (RAEs) appear largely throughout youth soccer. However, little is known about how RAEs at youth levels can impact transition at senior levels. Accordingly, this study aimed to: (a) provide further test of RAEs by exploring the birth quarter (BQ) distribution of 2,030 Italian players born from 1975 to 2001 who have played in any of the Youth National Italian Soccer Teams; and (b) investigate how RAEs influence future career outcomes, by exploring the BQ distribution of players who completed the transition from youth squads to the Senior National Team (n = 182). Chi-square statistics revealed significantly skewed BQ distributions for all Youth squads (P values <0.0001), and for the cohort of players who completed the transition (P = 0.003). In contrast, results from the Odds Ratios highlighted how BQ4s were more likely to transition from youth-to-senior compared to BQ1s. Results showed BQ1s remained overrepresented at senior level due to a residual bias effect. Whereas BQ4s who were able to overcome selection processes at youth levels recorded the highest likelihood of competing at senior levels. Involving players' career trajectories in RAEs studies is needed to understand how RAEs impacts career outcomes of early selected players.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriele Morganti
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
| | - Gennaro Apollaro
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Pantanella
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Mario Esposito
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Alberto Grossi
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
| | - Bruno Ruscello
- National TalentObservatory, School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
- School of Sports and Exercise Sciences, "San Raffaele" University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Industrial Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, "Tor Vergata" University, Rome, Italy
- LUISS SportLab, LUISS University, Rome, Italy
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Radnor JM, Oliver JL, Dobbs I, Wong M, Brown TW, Lloyd RS, Kelly AL. Selection into youth cricket academies: The influence of relative age and maturity status. J Sports Sci 2023; 41:272-279. [PMID: 37163466 DOI: 10.1080/02640414.2023.2208924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to examine the birth quartile and maturity status distributions of male academy cricketers. Participants included 213 junior cricket players, aged between 9 and 18 years. Players were separated into birth quartiles and also grouped as early, average or late maturers. For the whole cohort, there was a medium effect bias towards players born in BQ1, but the number of early, average and late maturers was as expected. However, there were significantly more early maturers in the U10 and U11 groups than expected, and maturity distributions of the BQ groups showed that there was a small effect size bias towards early maturers in BQ4. Selection biases towards cricketers who are born earlier in the competitive year are consistent from U9 to U16, but more prevalent in the U12 and U14 age groups. There is a bias towards early maturers at U10 and U11, but this reduces as age increases. Practitioners working in academy pathways should be encouraged to assess the maturity status of players to assist in the retention and progression of players. Relative age effects should also be considered, and strategies may be required to identify players born later in the year.
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Affiliation(s)
- John M Radnor
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Jon L Oliver
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Ian Dobbs
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Megan Wong
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
| | - Thomas W Brown
- Centre for Life and Sport Science (C-LaSS), Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
- Warwickshire County Cricket Club, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rhodri S Lloyd
- Youth Physical Development Centre, School of Sport and Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Cardiff, UK
- Sport Performance Research Institute New Zealand, AUT University, Auckland, New Zealand
- Centre for Sport Science and Human Performance, Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Centre for Life and Sport Science (C-LaSS), Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, UK
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Johnston K, McAuley ABT, Kelly AL, Baker J. Language games and blurry terminology: Can clarity enhance athlete development? Front Sports Act Living 2023; 5:1150047. [PMID: 37139303 PMCID: PMC10150101 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1150047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
This perspective focuses on the need for researchers and practitioners to carefully consider the clarity and consistency of their language in the context of athlete development. Evidence supporting a lack of congruency in the way certain terms and expressions are defined, understood, and operationalized continues to accumulate, highlighting the importance of this area for sport stakeholders and the potential looming crises. In systems that regularly rely on precision and accuracy, it will be critical that all involved in the co-creation of knowledge generation and application carefully consider terms that may further complicate athlete development practices. We highlight some potentially blurry terms and draw attention to potential avenues for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn Johnston
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Correspondence: Kathryn Johnston
| | - Alexander B. T. McAuley
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, WMD, United Kingdom
| | - Adam L. Kelly
- Research Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), School of Health Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, WMD, United Kingdom
| | - Joseph Baker
- Kinesiology and Health Science, York University, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Brustio PR, Kelly AL, Lupo C, Ungureanu AN. The Influence of Contextual Factors on the Relative Age Effect in Male International Rugby Union: The Impact of Sociocultural Influences and Playing Position. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121941. [PMID: 36553385 PMCID: PMC9777006 DOI: 10.3390/children9121941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is not only to establish whether the relative age effect (RAE) exists in male international rugby union players, but also to investigate the impact of sociocultural influences (i.e., northern and southern hemispheres) and playing position (i.e., backs, forwards, and scrum-halves). The birth date and the playing position of 7144 senior male professional rugby players included in the rosters of the season 2020−2021 were collected from the top 10 nations of the World Rugby rankings (i.e., Argentina, Australia, England, France, Ireland, Japan, New Zealand, Scotland, South Africa, and Wales). Data were analyzed using a chi-square goodness-of-fit test to compare the observed and expected birth quarter (Q) distributions. Results showed that relatively older players were overrepresented in all the sample (p < 0.001; Q1 = 28.8% vs. Q4 = 20.3%). In players competing in both hemispheres, the RAE was weak despite a more pronounced RAE emerging for southern players. In addition, the RAE was present in backs and forwards, but inconsistent for scrum-halves. In general, the data suggest that relatively older players may be more likely to reach expertise at senior levels than their later-born peers, and that the effect was consistent in different sociocultural contexts as well as in backs and forwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Riccardo Brustio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- NeuroMuscularFunction, Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Adam Leigh Kelly
- Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Faculty of Health, Education, and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham B15 3TN, West Midlands, UK
| | - Corrado Lupo
- NeuroMuscularFunction, Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Alexandru Nicolae Ungureanu
- NeuroMuscularFunction, Research Group, School of Exercise & Sport Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Science, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
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Special Issue "Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports". Sports (Basel) 2022; 10:sports10120189. [PMID: 36548486 PMCID: PMC9781698 DOI: 10.3390/sports10120189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
We are delighted to share our Special Issue on Talent Identification and Development in Youth Sports [...].
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Queeney JR, Kelly AL, McGourty P, Horgan P. The relative age effect in the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA): A mixed methods approach. SCI MED FOOTBALL 2022:1-11. [PMID: 35787228 DOI: 10.1080/24733938.2022.2096918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), Talent Academies (TAs) and senior teams cater for high performing players, however only two previous studies have quantified the relative age effect (RAE; i.e., a selection bias favouring those born near the beginning of the cut-off date) in these cohorts. Additionally, no studies to date have explored stakeholder understanding of the RAE using qualitative methods. This study aimed to: (a) quantify the RAE in TAs and senior teams, and (b) investigate stakeholder perspectives of the talent development environment, providing practical insight into the RAE. A mixed methods sequential explanatory study design was employed. Phase one involved a retrospective analysis of longitudinal data for the frequency and distribution of births using TA (n=12,445) and senior (n=8,752) players. Phase two comprised two focus groups of key stakeholders [coaches (n=4) and Talent Development Leaders (n=4)] at TA and senior level. Analysis revealed a significant difference between TA birth quarter (BQ) distributions compared with expected distributions across all age groups (P<0.001; BQ1=30.4% vs. BQ4=17.6%), while at senior level, there were no significant differences between observed and expected BQ distributions (χ2 (df=3) =3.812, P=0.282). In phase two, inductive analysis revealed three higher order themes: (a) understanding of the RAE, (b) selection criteria, and (c) player characteristics. The GAA are encouraged to reflect on the practice of chronological age band grouping, investigate possible solutions to limit the effects of the RAE, and offer support programmes to educate key stakeholders on the potential impact of the RAE on talent development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R Queeney
- Gaelic Athletic Association, Croke Park, Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
| | - Adam L Kelly
- Centre for Life and Sport Sciences (CLaSS), Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences, Birmingham City University, Birmingham, West Midlands, United Kingdom
| | - Padraig McGourty
- Department of Health and Nutritional Sciences, Atlantic Technological University, Sligo, Ireland
| | - Peter Horgan
- Gaelic Athletic Association, Croke Park, Jones' Rd, Drumcondra, Dublin 3, Ireland
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