Talent identification and recruitment in youth soccer: Recruiter’s perceptions of the key attributes for player recruitment

Abstract

Using the modified Delphi method, we aimed to understand the attributes youth coaches and recruiters perceive as important when identifying skilled youth performance at the entry level of representative soccer in Australia (i.e., Under 13 years). Furthermore, we also aimed to describe the current methods youth coaches and recruiters use to assess and identify these attributes in youth players. Australian regional youth technical directors and coaches (n = 20) completed a three stage process, including an initial interview and two subsequent questionnaires, whereby attributes and qualities associated with talent identification were rated and justified according to the importance for youth player performance and talent identification. Results indicate a hierarchy of attributes recruiters perceive as important for Under 13 soccer performance, including technical (i.e., first touch, striking the ball, one-versus-one ability, and technical ability under pressure), tactical (i.e., decision-making ability) and psychological attributes (i.e., coachability and positive attitude). In addition, the findings indicated attributes and qualities not emphasised within the talent identification process including, physiological, anthropometrical, sociological and several psychological attributes. It is suggested talent recruiters apply a holistic multidisciplinary approach to talent identification, with the current findings potentially providing initial evidence to suggest recruiters do consider numerous attributes when selecting and identifying youth players.

The influence of birth quartile, maturation, anthropometry and physical performances on player retention: Observations from an elite football academy

“…The findings from this study highlight that somatic maturity, anthropometric and physical performance characteristics exert an influence on the decision-making process regarding player retention within this elite academy. This contradicts data obtained from Australia in which youth coaches and recruitment staff indicated that technical, tactical and psychological attributes are the most important factors in terms of talent identification 64 . On the other hand, our findings appear to align with research establishing that organisational pressures and physical maturity exert an influence on the selection process adopted by the coaches of 12 to 15-year-old football players 65 .…”

Reliability and validity of field‐based fitness tests in youth soccer players

“…TI has received significant research attention over the last decade. Yet, coach subjective influence continues to play a substantial role during TI processes (Larkin & O'Connor, 2017). Given advancements in technology and resources more readily available to coaches and practitioners, it was assumed that our ability to identify and predict talent would also progress.…”

“…Practitioners have attempted to identify key components associated with improved soccer performances. However, it remains unclear how these variables influence competitive match play, or coach perception and rating (Güllich, 2014;Larkin & O'Connor, 2017;Unnithan et al, 2012). Inevitably, despite attempts by researchers and practitioners to improve accuracy and appropriateness of TI processes, these processes must align with a demonstrable difference in performance, or positively inform the coach or decision-makers responsible during selection/deselection processes.…”

Establishing consensus of position-specific predictors for elite youth soccer in England

“…Due to the multifaceted nature of talent some have called for more objective predictors of future 75 potential (i.e. Larkin & O'Connor, 2017) or research designs that are in a position to infiltrate 76 applied talent identification practice (Collins, MacNamara, & Cruickshank, 2018). 77…”