Toward an understanding of players’ perceptions of talent development environments in UK female football
A summary of the research:
The article "UK Female Football Players' Perceptions of Their Talent Development Environments" explores how female football players in the UK perceive their training and developmental environments (TDEs). The study surveyed 137 players from Football Association Women's Super League (FAWSL) Development Squads and Girls' Centres of Excellence, examining factors such as coaching, communication, and support networks. Players were generally positive about long-term development and the support they received, but expressed concerns about areas like communication and individualized attention. Many felt that they were written off before fully developing their potential, and that coaches lacked an understanding of their personal lives outside of football.
The research highlights three key areas where TDEs could improve: planning for career progression, communication with social agents (like coaches and parents), and holistic player development, including mental toughness. By addressing these gaps, the study suggests that TDEs could better support the long-term success and well-being of female athletes, ultimately improving their chances of reaching elite levels in football.
Key Takeaways:
Positive perceptions of long-term development: Players appreciated the focus on long-term goals, with strong support networks and challenging training environments.
Communication gaps: Many players felt communication regarding their career progression and personal development was lacking, with inadequate feedback from coaches.
Holistic player development: Players expressed a desire for more focus on mental toughness and overall well-being, emphasizing the importance of support beyond football-specific training.
Authors: Adam Gledhill & Chris Harwood
You can read the whole article here.
