Understanding talent development

Supporting Young Talented Participants in your Club

Clubs can help their young talented participants develop by:

• Creating an environment that maximises the potential of all young participants
• Supporting talented athletes on a National Governing Body (NGB) Talent Pathway

This will enable talented participants to develop to their potential whilst maintaining enjoyment participating in the club environment. Furthermore, these talented participants can act as positive advocates for the club, for example helping out with coaching and/or providing advice to younger club members.

An overview of Talent Pathways

• Developing and sustaining effective Talent Pathways where exceptional participants can learn, progress and flourish is an exciting, yet challenging task. Successful Talent Pathways will allow you and your club to work towards a shared vision of supporting and developing talented individuals in grassroots Sport. Some will become world class performers, however for the majority who do not, through being supported in their development they will develop a competence and enjoyment in the sport that they can continue into later life.
• Talent Pathways are sport specific systems developed by a sport’s NGB. They aim to help junior players realise their potential; and in doing so to identify and develop high quality participants who are committed to clean sport. Drop-out rates are high precisely because the talent environment can be tough, especially on young people with lots of other pressures and interests, including their education. The onus is on those managing the pathway, while identifying and nurturing the best, to make the experience positive and rewarding for all. Many young people start developing as talented participants within the club environment and many stay participating within their club whilst being part of their NGB Talent Pathway.

What will NGB support for talented participants on the Talent Pathway look like?

As participants progress in their Talent Pathway, the level of support received by NGB’s will increase. This may take the form of:
• High quality additional training and coaching. Sports Coach UK shares further insights on this
• More opportunities to compete at all levels
• Education on factors that improve performance such as lifestyle, mental and nutritional health

Understanding the different types of Talent Pathways

NGB Talent Pathway examples

Spotlight on...Table Tennis England

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eictrawOgsM

How can your club maximise the potential of young participants?