Talent identification in soccer players aged 10-12 years

OBJECTIVE There is increasing emphasis on clubs to detect players and nurture and guide them through the talent identification process. Moreover, different factors may contribute to performance prediction at different ages. Thus any such model would need to be age-specific (Reilly et al, 2000). The aim of this research was to determine anthropometic, physiological profiles and soccer-specific skills that could be used for talent identification in players aged 10-12 years. METHODS Data was obtained by a questionnaire. To establish the best of these profiles, a factor analysis was con-ducted. RESULTS It was found that, in order to weigh physique and height related to anthropometic profiles; speed, agility and quickness related to physiological characteristics; coordination (neuro-muscular), passing, and shooting related to soccer-specific skills were more important for talent identification among players aged 10-12 years. DISCUSSION & CONCLUSION Despite difficulties in predicting long-term success in young players, the age-based model may be useful in establishing baseline reference data to select and develope talent in soccer players.