The road to excellence in women’s football: a retrospective cohort study over the last 30 years with Swiss national players
A summary of the article:
The article "The Road to Excellence in Women’s Football: A Retrospective Cohort Study Over the Last 30 Years With Swiss National Players" examines the training patterns and environmental factors influencing the development of Swiss national women’s football players. The study, which spans three decades, uses a retrospective survey of 84 players across three cohorts, evaluating factors such as training volume, age at club entry, and environmental influences like popularity, media coverage, and parental support. The results show a clear trend toward earlier specialization, with players in more recent cohorts joining clubs at a younger age and dedicating more time to structured practice. Despite these changes, the volume of free play and engagement in other sports during childhood has remained stagnant over time. Environmental conditions, such as media coverage and school support, have improved significantly, especially between the most recent cohorts.
The study concludes that the path to elite football for Swiss women has shifted toward greater specialization and higher training volumes, while environmental conditions have become more favorable for player development. However, the stagnation in free play and other sports activities suggests a narrowing focus on football at younger ages, which may limit broader athletic development. The research highlights the need to balance early specialization with diversified experiences to enhance long-term success.
Key Takeaways:
Earlier specialization: Players in recent cohorts began structured football training at a younger age and spent more time in club practice, reflecting a trend toward early specialization.
Improved environmental conditions: Media coverage, popularity, school, and parental support for women’s football have significantly improved over the last three decades, providing a more supportive environment for female players.
Stagnant free play and sports diversity: Despite increased specialization, the amount of free play and participation in other sports has not increased, suggesting that recent cohorts may be missing out on the broader benefits of a more diverse athletic background.
Authors: Bryan Charbonnet, Michael J. Schmid, Merlin Örencik, Elena van Niekerk, & Achim Conzelmann
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