scholarly journals Players’ Perceptions of the Talent Development Environment Within the English Premier League and Football League

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Tom O. Mitchell ◽  
Adam Gledhill ◽  
Ross Shand ◽  
Martin A. Littlewood ◽  
Lewis Charnock ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Talent Development ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
System A ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Development Experience ◽  
Player Experience ◽  
English Premier League

There is an increasing awareness of the importance of the environment in academy players’ development, yet limited research has investigated players’ perceptions of their talent development environments (TDEs). This study focused on academy soccer players’ perceptions of their TDE and compared perceptions across the English soccer academy categorization (CAT) system. A total of 136 U.K.-based male soccer players (Mage = 17.7, SD = 1.03 years) representing all four categories (1 = highest to 4 = lowest) of soccer academies aligned to professional soccer clubs completed the TDE Questionnaire-5 (TDEQ-5). The players within the CAT1 academies had significantly more positive perceptions of their support network (p = .01) and holistic quality preparation (p = .03) than their CAT3 counterparts. Across CAT2–CAT3, holistic quality preparation was the least positively perceived subscale within the TDEQ-5, suggesting the need for additional coach education in this area. Soccer academies should consider how they ensure that all areas of their service are associated with optimal TDEs by offering a well-communicated and holistic development experience for their players to enhance effective personal and player development. The findings may have implications for player experience and associated progression rates of lower categorized soccer academies.

scholarly journals Reviewing the role of the environment in the talent development of a professional soccer club

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. e0246823
Author(s):  
Vincent Gesbert ◽  
Fabienne Crettaz von Roten ◽  
Denis Hauw
Keyword(s):  
Age Groups ◽  
Talent Development ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Single Type ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Development Processes ◽  
Context Specific

This two-part study examined the perceptions of talented Swiss soccer players about their talent development environment. The first study presented the translation and validation of the Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ) into French using a recommended methodology for translating and culturally adapting questionnaires. Two hundred and three Swiss athletes (M = 16.99 years old) responded to the 25 items of the TDEQ-5. One item was excluded due to low factor loadings, and the descriptive statistics showed that the re-specified TDEQ-5 instrument had acceptable global model fit according to the thresholds in the literature (χ2 (df = 17) = 484.62, p<0.001, CFI = 0.91, TLI = 0.90, RMSEA = 0.07, SRMR = 0.06). This adaptation is thus valid for assessing the effectiveness of talent development processes. For the second study, a holistic design was used to examine the perceptions of a set of players embedded in a top-level Swiss soccer academy (i.e., 64 elite soccer players from 14 to 18 years old) by using the TDEQ-5. The results showed some relative strengths (i.e., F1-Long-Term Focus for the M15 and M16 age-groups) and weaknesses (i.e., F2-Alignment of Expectations for the M17 and M18 age -groups and F3-Communication for M17). They also highlighted that the talent pathways of these Swiss soccer players could not be summarized by a single type of transition toward a professional team. Rather, there were context-specific requirements, such as the critical period between the M15-M16 and M17-M18 age-groups, suggesting that when the players first entered their TDE they experienced a set of affordances to develop and flourish, which thereafter were perceived as less rich and/or abundant. These results offer a starting point for optimizing talent pathways.

scholarly journals Seasonal Training-Load Quantification in Elite English Premier League Soccer Players

2015 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 489-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
James J. Malone ◽  
Rocco Di Michele ◽  
Ryland Morgans ◽  
Darren Burgess ◽  
James P. Morton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Training Load ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Maximal Heart Rate ◽  
Time Points ◽  
Total Distance ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Premier League ◽  
Daily Training ◽  
English Premier League

Purpose:To quantify the seasonal training load completed by professional soccer players of the English Premier League.Methods:Thirty players were sampled (using GPS, heart rate, and rating of perceived exertion [RPE]) during the daily training sessions of the 2011–12 preseason and in-season period. Preseason data were analyzed across 6 × 1-wk microcycles. In-season data were analyzed across 6 × 6-wk mesocycle blocks and 3 × 1-wk microcycles at start, midpoint, and end-time points. Data were also analyzed with respect to number of days before a match.Results:Typical daily training load (ie, total distance, high-speed distance, percent maximal heart rate [%HRmax], RPE load) did not differ during each week of the preseason phase. However, daily total distance covered was 1304 (95% CI 434–2174) m greater in the 1st mesocycle than in the 6th. %HRmax values were also greater (3.3%, 1.3−5.4%) in the 3rd mesocycle than in the first. Furthermore, training load was lower on the day before match (MD-1) than 2 (MD-2) to 5 (MD-5) d before a match, although no difference was apparent between these latter time points.Conclusions:The authors provide the 1st report of seasonal training load in elite soccer players and observed that periodization of training load was typically confined to MD-1 (regardless of mesocycle), whereas no differences were apparent during MD-2 to MD-5. Future studies should evaluate whether this loading and periodization are facilitative of optimal training adaptations and match-day performance.

Seasonal variation in vitamin D status in professional soccer players of the English Premier League

2012 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 798-802 ◽  
Author(s):  
James P. Morton ◽  
Zafar Iqbal ◽  
Barry Drust ◽  
Darren Burgess ◽  
Graeme L. Close ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Seasonal Variation ◽  
Muscle Function ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Vitamin D Status ◽  
Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Premier League ◽  
25 Hydroxyvitamin D ◽  
English Premier League

The prevalence of seasonal variation in vitamin D status was examined in 20 FA Premier League soccer players residing at a latitude of 53°N. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) levels decreased (P < 0.001) between August (104.4 ± 21.1 nmol·L–1, range 68–151) and December (51.0 ± 19.0 nmol·L–1, range 22–86), such that levels for 65% of the sample were insufficient (<50 nmol·L–1) in winter. Strategies to augment vitamin D3 availability may therefore be advantageous for UK soccer players so as to maintain muscle function.

scholarly journals Daily Distribution of Macronutrient Intakes of Professional Soccer Players From the English Premier League

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 491-498 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Anderson ◽  
Robert J. Naughton ◽  
Graeme L. Close ◽  
Rocco Di Michele ◽  
Ryland Morgans ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Protein Intake ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Macronutrient Intake ◽  
Training Adaptations ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Premier League ◽  
Protein Feeding ◽  
Food Diaries ◽  
English Premier League

The daily distribution of macronutrient intake can modulate aspects of training adaptations, performance and recovery. We therefore assessed the daily distribution of macronutrient intake (as assessed using food diaries supported by the remote food photographic method and 24-hr recalls) of professional soccer players (n = 6) of the English Premier League during a 7-day period consisting of two match days and five training days. On match days, average carbohydrate (CHO) content of the prematch (<1.5 g·kg-1 body mass) and postmatch (1 g·kg-1 body mass) meals (in recovery from an evening kick-off) were similar (p > .05) though such intakes were lower than contemporary guidelines considered optimal for prematch CHO intake and postmatch recovery. On training days, we observed a skewed and hierarchical approach (p < .05 for all comparisons) to protein feeding such that dinner (0.8 g·kg-1)>lunch (0.6 g·kg-1)>breakfast (0.3 g·kg-1)>evening snacks (0.1 g·kg-1). We conclude players may benefit from consuming greater amounts of CHO in both the prematch and postmatch meals so as to increase CHO availability and maximize rates of muscle glycogen resynthesis, respectively. Furthermore, attention should also be given to ensuring even daily distribution of protein intake so as to potentially promote components of training adaptation.

scholarly journals Energy Intake and Expenditure of Professional Soccer Players of the English Premier League: Evidence of Carbohydrate Periodization

2017 ◽  
Vol 27 (3) ◽  
pp. 228-238 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liam Anderson ◽  
Patrick Orme ◽  
Robert J. Naughton ◽  
Graeme L. Close ◽  
Jordan Milsom ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Energy Intake ◽  
Glycogen Storage ◽  
Soccer Players ◽  
Fat Intake ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Premier League ◽  
Doubly Labeled Water Method ◽  
Food Diaries ◽  
English Premier League ◽  
Current Guidelines

In an attempt to better identify and inform the energy requirements of elite soccer players, we quantified the energy expenditure (EE) of players from the English Premier League (n = 6) via the doubly labeled water method (DLW) over a 7-day in-season period. Energy intake (EI) was also assessed using food diaries, supported by the remote food photographic method and 24 hr recalls. The 7-day period consisted of 5 training days (TD) and 2 match days (MD). Although mean daily EI (3186 ± 367 kcals) was not different from (p > .05) daily EE (3566 ± 585 kcals), EI was greater (p < .05) on MD (3789 ± 532 kcal; 61.1 ± 11.4 kcal.kg-1 LBM) compared with TD (2956 ± 374 kcal; 45.2 ± 9.3 kcal.kg-1 LBM, respectively). Differences in EI were reflective of greater (p < .05) daily CHO intake on MD (6.4 ± 2.2 g.kg-1) compared with TD (4.2 ± 1.4 g.kg-1). Exogenous CHO intake was also different (p < .01) during training sessions (3.1 ± 4.4 g.h-1) versus matches (32.3 ± 21.9 g.h-1). In contrast, daily protein (205 ± 30 g.kg-1, p = .29) and fat intake (101 ± 20 g, p = .16) did not display any evidence of daily periodization as opposed to g.kg-1, Although players readily achieve current guidelines for daily protein and fat intake, data suggest that CHO intake on the day before and in recovery from match play was not in accordance with guidelines to promote muscle glycogen storage.

scholarly journals “Slippage” in the talent development environment of elite junior tennis players

2021 ◽  
Vol 29 (84) ◽  
pp. 24-27
Author(s):  
Callum Gowling
Keyword(s):  
Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis ◽  
Emotional State ◽  
Talent Development ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Coach Education ◽  
Tennis Players ◽  
Education Literature ◽  
Junior Tennis ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Sports Coaching

“Slippage” occurs when there is a mismatch between the intended message communicated (by coach, parent, or talent development environment) and the received message by junior tennis players.  The concept of slippage has received attention in educational settings, but research has yet to investigate the possible effects on junior tennis players.  The purpose of this study was to examine the experiences of 8 UK, elite junior tennis players and describe what it is like to perform in the elite junior context.  An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) of 8 elite junior tennis players (playing LTA Grade 2 and upwards) shows their insights into elite junior tennis.  This study found that (a) participants seek meaning behind their tennis experiences and they infer messages from their environment that are not intended, (b) “slippage” is associated with unintentional pressure, and (c) “slippage” is associated with a reduction of junior tennis players’ confidence.  The findings of this research contribute to an evolving, problematic epistemology of sports coaching and confirms that coaches can lose control of their intended message as players infer their own meanings from interactions within tennis.  The findings present governing bodies opportunities to inform coach education literature and consider how the difference between the intended coaching message and the received coaching message can impact the emotional state of junior tennis players.

scholarly journals Talent Development Environments in Football: Comparing the Top-Five and Bottom-Five-Ranked Football Academies in Norway

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 1321
Author(s):  
Kristian Gangsø ◽  
Nils Petter Aspvik ◽  
Ingar Mehus ◽  
Rune Høigaard ◽  
Stig Arve Sæther
Keyword(s):  
Talent Development ◽  
Support Network ◽  
Football Players ◽  
Professional Football ◽  
Classification Methods ◽  
High Quality ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Football Club ◽  
Team Environment

Background: The aim of this study was to examine junior-elite football players’ perception of their talent development environment by comparing clubs ranked as the top-five and bottom-five in the 2017 Norwegian academy classification. Methods: In total, 92 male junior-elite football players recruited from under-19 teams from five professional football club academies took part in the study. The Talent Development Environment Questionnaire (TDEQ-5; Martindale et al. 2010) was used to measure the players’ perceptions of their team environment. Results: The subscale long-term development focus and support network had the highest score and indicated that they perceived that the environment was high quality with respect to those factors. Players from the top-five-ranked clubs perceived their development environments to be significantly more positive with respect to holistic quality preparation, alignment of expectations, communication and, compared to players from the bottom-five-ranked clubs. Conclusions: The players’ perceptions of the talent development environment seem to be in alignment of the academy classification undertaken by the Norwegian top football association.

scholarly journals Psychosocial Skills in a Youth Soccer Academy: A Holistic Ecological Perspective

2012 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 51-74 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carsten Larsen ◽  
Dorothee Alfermann ◽  
Mette Christensen
Keyword(s):  
Talent Development ◽  
Study Data ◽  
Ecological Perspective ◽  
Self Awareness ◽  
Multiple Perspectives ◽  
Development Environment ◽  
Youth Soccer ◽  
Psychosocial Skills ◽  
Professional Soccer ◽  
Process Outcomes

Psychosocial Skills in a Youth Soccer Academy: A Holistic Ecological Perspective Objectives: The latest research in talent development show that more varied psychological and especially social and cultural circumstances play an important role in talent development. This study assumes an ecological approach to explore which psychosocial skills are important in a youth soccer academy and how psychosocial skills are practiced in this particular environment. Method: The research takes the form of a case study. Data were collected from multiple perspectives (in-depth interviews with managers, coaches and players), from multiple situations (observation of training, competitions and meetings) and from the analysis of documents. Results: The findings reveal explicit (being practiced and talked about) and implicit (indirectly practiced and talked about) psychosocial skills in the youth soccer academy and a differentiation between internal and interpersonal psychosocial skills. Conclusions: Important explicit psychosocial skills are motivation, self awareness and the ability to work hard. However, even more important for the young soccer players dealing with the transition to professional soccer seem to be implicit psychosocial skills such as managing performance and process outcomes (internal) and the ability to utilize team skills and general social skills (interpersonal). Despite the fact that the environment expects the young players to display these skills, they are only indirectly practiced. This study demonstrates the interweaving of psychosocial skills and practice in the talent development environment, and thus underlines the social construction of psychosocial skills in elite sport.

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