Psychological characteristics of developing excellence in elite youth football players in English professional academies

Abstract

This mixed-longitudinal prospective study examined the development of psychological characteristics of developing excellence in relation to the career progression of elite youth football players. In a 20-month period, 111 academy football players aged 11-16 completed the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence Questionnaire (PCDEQ) on 1-5 occasions. This combination of single and repeated assessments resulted in a mixedlongitudinal sample of 226 completed PCDEQs. Players were then prospectively tracked, and their scholarship status assessed at follow-up, at age U17. Multilevel modelling revealed that coping with performance and developmental pressures scores increased with age, and that Category 1-2 academy scholars (4.35 ± 0.61) scored higher than Category 3-4 academy scholars (3.99 ± 0.67) and non-scholars (4.02 ± 0.78) (p<.05). Evaluating performances and working on weaknesses scores increased with age for Category 1-2 academy scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.16 ± 0.48 vs. 5.38 ± 0.45), compared to non-scholars (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 5.11 ± 0.59 vs. 5.03 ± 0.71) (p<.05). Imagery use during practice and competition scores decreased with age (U12-U14 vs. U15-U16 = 4.45 ± 0.66 vs. 4.29 ± 0.70) (p<.05). A blend of PCDEs may facilitate optimal career progression. Football academies should develop players' PCDEs, with a particular focus on developing their coping skills and their ability to realistically evaluate performances and work on weaknesses.

Methodological Approaches to Talent Identification in Team Sports: A Narrative Review

“…More recent research supports such findings showing that future professional soccer players outperformed their non-professional counterparts in measures of speed (5/10/20-m sprint times), power (countermovement jump height), and endurance (distance covered in yoyo intermittent recovery test level 1) from age ~13/14 years onward [39]. Similar findings have also been shown when investigating psychological [50], tactical [51] and technical [52] characteristics, as well as multidimensional research designs [53]. For instance, Forsman et al [53], found future elite players outscored non-elite players, at 15 years of age, in tests of dribbling and passing, passing and centering (technical), speed, agility, endurance (physical), motivation (psychological), and "acting in changing situations" (tactical).…”

Exploring the use of the Psychological Characteristics of Developing Excellence (PCDEs) in younger age groups: First steps in the validation process of the PCDE Questionnaire for Children (PCDEQ-C)

“…The present study provides a first step in the validation process of a formative assessment tool for the developmental psychological characteristics in athletes between 7 and 13 years old, called the PCDEQ-C. Rather than a talent selection tool, this questionnaire should be used as a formative assessment tool to monitor, develop, and design the psychological characteristics needed during the entire TDE pathway of a young, potential athlete. The questionnaire is being increasingly reported as a practical and comprehensive tool to measure PCDEs by both athletes and coaches [ 47 ] and should be used as part of the triangulation process. The use of other measures, such as behavioural observations, coaches’ opinions, dialogue with family or guardians, and follow-up of the PCDEQ-C results by coaches and/or sport psychologist are advised.…”

Body Composition Assessment and Mediterranean Diet Adherence in U12 Spanish Male Professional Soccer Players: Cross-Sectional Study

“…Millions of children around the world are involved in soccer [25,26]. Although most children play soccer recreationally, the number of them who are federated from a very young age by joining a professional club has increased notably [25,26].…”

“…Millions of children around the world are involved in soccer [25,26]. Although most children play soccer recreationally, the number of them who are federated from a very young age by joining a professional club has increased notably [25,26]. It is well known that practicing soccer has beneficial effects on numerous health parameters of children and adolescents [27][28][29].…”