Talent identification, talent selection, and talent development of early- and late-maturing players at a Norwegian elite soccer academy

Aim The aim of this study was to explore the experiences of early- and late-maturing players, their parents, and coaches regarding the talent identification, talent selection, and talent development practices at an elite soccer academy in Norway. Method A mixed methods case design was employed, combining semi-structured in-depth interviews with questionnaires. The experiences of six players, their parents (n = 7), and coaches (n = 4) were mapped to illuminate the academy's practice. Results Players’ soccer skills and psychological attributes were highlighted as the two most important factors in the talent identification and selection process. The quality of soccer training, competent coaches, and soccer matches were considered the most crucial factors for a successful talent development. Across all participant groups, experiences indicated that players’ day-to-day development was shaped more by soccer skills, psychological attributes, coaching quality, and training and match opportunities than by maturation timing. Participants described the academy's long-term, individualized philosophy as reducing the impact of maturation differences on both identification, selection, and development processes. Conclusion This study provides novel insights into how players, their parents, and coaches experience the processes of identification, selection, and development of young talents at a Norwegian elite soccer academy. A major strength of the academy lies in its implementation of knowledge about growth and maturation to optimize its talent identification, selection, and development process, thereby contributing to bridging the gap between scientific research and practical application.