SWEENEY, LIAM (2023) International selection and competition in youth sport: pin the tail on the donkey or targeted intervention? Frontiers In Sports And Active Living, 5 (129890). ISSN 2624-9367

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Abstract

Across sporting contexts, there is growing debate surrounding the utility of junior international age group selection in sport. In this regard, there has been considerable focus on the age of selection, with the low conversion of athletes from junior to senior international level often used to critique the efficiency of such programmes. In this perspective article, we argue that there is a need for a more nuanced consideration of the effectiveness of international age groups in talent systems. We begin this perspective article with a synthesis of the literature pertaining to junior to senior transitions in sport, followed by the implications and opportunity cost presented by international age groups. We argue for a more contextual evaluation of international age groups relative to the performance aims of a talent system, the need for manipulation of challenge dynamics, and the resource costs of doing so (e.g., providing developmental challenges for those who have early advantage, or spreading resource amongst greater numbers for broader impact). We suggest that talent systems evaluate the opportunity cost presented by international age groups, with decisions based upon individual strategic context.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	Cite as: Sweeney L, MacNamara Á and Taylor J (2023) International selection and competition in youth sport: pin the tail on the donkey or targeted intervention? Front. Sports Act. Living 5:1298909. doi: 10.3389/fspor.2023.1298909
Keywords:	talent development; talent identification; sport performance; youth sport; sports coaching;
Academic Unit:	Faculty of Science and Engineering > Sports Science and Nutrition
Item ID:	17979
Identification Number:	https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2023.1298909
Depositing User:	Liam Sweeney
Date Deposited:	21 Dec 2023 12:22
Journal or Publication Title:	Frontiers In Sports And Active Living
Publisher:	Frontiers Media
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	Publisher
Use Licence:	This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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