MURAL - Maynooth University Research Archive Library



    International selection and competition in youth sport: pin the tail on the donkey or targeted intervention?


    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

    [img]
    Preview
    Download (250kB) | Preview


    Share your research

    Twitter Facebook LinkedIn GooglePlus Email more...



    Add this article to your Mendeley library


    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:
    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

    Repository Staff Only(login required)

    View Item Item control page

    Downloads

    Downloads per month over past year

    Origin of downloads