Exploring talent identification and development pathways in English female soccer academies

Alder, SE (2025) Exploring talent identification and development pathways in English female soccer academies. Doctoral thesis, Liverpool John Moores University.

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Abstract

Female soccer in England continues to experience significant growth, marked by rising popularity, increased participation, and strategic structural changes designed to enhance youth talent pathways. Despite this progress, there remains a limited understanding of how female soccer academies approach talent identification, development, and coaching practices. This thesis addresses this gap through three interrelated studies, with each examining different aspects of female youth soccer development. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to investigate the talent identification and development pathways within female youth soccer academies in England. Utilising a mixed-methods approach, the research involved academy directors, players, and coaches, and combined both quantitative and qualitative analyses through the collection of studies to provide a comprehensive evaluation.
Study One surveyed academy directors to identify current talent identification and development practices across female youth soccer academies affiliated to clubs in the highest three senior league tiers. The 31-question online survey revealed a scarcity of dedicated recruitment departments, with talent identification processes largely limited to observations in trials by coaches and academy directors. While talent development processes became more professionalised and multidisciplinary at higher age categories and league tiers, challenges still remain in optimising these processes and pathways.
Study Two explored the developmental milestones, soccer engagement, and perceptions of 34 youth players from Women’s Super League (WSL) academies. Through the Participation History Questionnaire (PHQ), players reported an earlier start age in soccer than professional players (Andrew et al., 2024), shifting from informal, play-based activities during childhood to structured practice in adolescence, coinciding with entry into an academy system. Enjoyment and motivation remained high throughout development, while perceived physical and cognitive challenge increased as players aged. Findings highlight the importance of contemporary investigations into developmental soccer engagement and milestones.
Study Three employed a case study approach to examine practice activities and coaching behaviours in a single WSL academy. Systematic observations of practice sessions and stimulated recall interviews revealed the predominance of games-based over drill-based activities, aligning with recommendations from skill acquisition theory (Williams & Hodges, 2005). Behaviour observations indicated varied coaching styles and strategies. This study generates new insights into existing coaching practices and offers practical recommendations for improving player engagement and development.
Together, this collection of studies delivers a comprehensive and contemporary evaluation of female youth soccer development in England, offering valuable benchmarks and recommendations for future initiatives to optimise talent pathways and coaching practices.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Talent development; Talent identification; Soccer; Female; Youth
Subjects:	R Medicine > RC Internal medicine > RC1200 Sports Medicine
Divisions:	Sport and Exercise Sciences
Date of acceptance:	13 May 2025
Date of first compliant Open Access:	23 June 2025
Date Deposited:	23 Jun 2025 10:37
Last Modified:	23 Jun 2025 10:37
DOI or ID number:	10.24377/LJMU.t.00026411
Supervisors:	Andrew, M, Causer, J, McRobert, A and Champ, F
URI:	https://researchonline.ljmu.ac.uk/id/eprint/26411

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