Coaches' Criteria for Talent Identification of Youth Male Soccer Players

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.

Automated summary

This study aimed to explore the criteria coaches considered in talent identification of youth male soccer players aged 13-16 and the impact of relative age effect. The results showed that technical, tactical, and mental factors were considered the most important criteria, while physiological and sociological factors were of secondary importance. Coaches were aware of the relative age effect but had limited ways to reduce its impact on talent identification. However, they emphasized the importance of a holistic approach in talent identification.