Talent identification and development strategies in elite women’s soccer: a pan-European perspective

A summary of the research:

The article "Talent Identification and Development Strategies in Elite Women’s Soccer: A Pan-European Perspective" by McEwan et al. (2024) examines approaches used by elite European women’s soccer clubs to identify, develop, and select young talent. Through interviews with representatives from top clubs in Spain, France, Sweden, Germany, and Italy, the study identifies key themes in talent development, including prioritizing local recruitment, fostering challenging environments, and ensuring player well-being. Clubs focus on scouting local talent initially due to logistical and ethical considerations but expand their reach as players age. They emphasize creating competitive and supportive environments, often incorporating mixed-gender play for young female athletes to enhance technical and physical development. Clubs also prioritize gradual and well-supported transitions for players advancing to senior teams.

The study highlights the importance of building a strong connection between youth and senior teams and tailoring development practices to each club’s unique environment. By integrating a top-down approach, clubs aim to align youth training with the needs of their first teams, ensuring smoother transitions for players. The research offers insights for improving women’s talent pathways across Europe, advocating for strategies that balance competitive rigor with player welfare.

Key Takeaways

1. Elite European clubs prioritize local talent and gradually expand recruitment geographically, balancing cost, ethics, and competition.

2. Mixed-gender play and challenging environments are considered crucial for young players’ physical and technical development.

3. Alignment between youth and senior teams is essential, with top-down structures supporting seamless player transitions to higher levels.

Authors: Gary P. McEwan, Viswanath B. Unnithan, Mark Carter, James H. Dugdale & Naomi Datson

You can read the whole article here.