Perceptual-cognitive skills in talent development environments: Coaches' perspectives and practices

Despite the recognised importance of perceptual-cognitive skills (PCS) for future professional football performance, there remains limited applied research examining how practitioners engage in this area of player development. The aim of this thesis was to critically examine how PCS are identified and assessed within talent development environments in football. Recognising the critical role of PCS in talent identification (TI) and talent development (TD), this research adopted an applied perspective to evaluate current practices and identify pathways for enhancing these processes. A central objective was to bridge the gap between academic insights and practical applications, providing actionable recommendations for industry practitioners. Chapter 2 presents a scoping review of the existing literature on PCS in football, examining their support within TD contexts and identifying gaps in the research. Building on this foundation, Chapter 4 investigates academy coaches’ perceptions and approaches to identifying and assessing PCS, alongside associated challenges and the current state of educational provision in this domain. Chapter 5 extends the scope of these findings by examining the generalisability of these findings through a national survey. The findings from these chapters informed the design of Chapter 6, which explores the co-creation of a shared mental model within a football academy in the UK. This intervention aimed to improve alignment and standardisation in the identification and assessment of PCS, offering insights into its feasibility and potential impact. The findings of this thesis contribute to the evolving understanding of PCS in football, addressing practical and knowledge gaps. The work provides actionable recommendations for enhancing coaching practices, aligning player assessment processes, and improving educational frameworks to support TI and TD in football. Future directions for research and practical applications are discussed, with the goal of strengthening the integration of PCS into TD practices.