Key factors influencing talent development in youth football: a systematic literature review

Talent development in youth football is crucial for clubs, academies, and national associations worldwide. To ensure that talented youths reach their full potential, a comprehensive understanding of the key factors that shape their development is imperative for all stakeholders, including coaches, parents, and sports organizations. This study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) to identify the key factors influencing talent development in youth football. Methods: After a thorough review process, 27 articles were selected for the final analysis. The SLR examined current research to provide a comprehensive understanding of talent development in youth football. The examination identified seven critical elements that impact talent development: psychological, social, environmental, biological, educational, physical, and mental toughness and resilience. This research highlights the complexity of young football talent development. These results underscore the need for a comprehensive strategy that considers all seven variables. Young athletes, teams, and sports generally stand to gain from these ideas to enhance talent development programs. The potential for enhancing these programs is significant, inspiring a new wave of motivation in the field. Subsequent investigations need to examine the interplay between these variables in various temporal and contextual situations, with a specific emphasis on a comprehensive examination of how sociocultural elements impact talent development pathways.