Factors influencing sports talent development in Senior High Schools in the Upper East Region of Ghana

Despite the increasing interest in examining predictors within sports talent development, there is a dearth of studies in the Ghanaian context. Yet, Senior High Schools (SHSs) in the Upper East Region of Ghana are expected to help talented student-athletes grow their potential. This necessitates empirical research on factors that predict sports talent development within the Ghanaian context. Against this background, this study examines factors influencing sports talent development in SHSs in the Upper East Region of Ghana. Using a questionnaire, data was collected from two hundred and three (203) sports coaches (123 male and 80 female) since the core responsibility of developing sports talents lies with them. Multiple regression analysis was calculated using SPSS version 25 to identify the factors that predict the development of talents in sports. It was found that adequate sports facilities significantly made the largest contribution (β = .300, p<.05), followed by expert coaching (β = .271, p<.05), regular training (β = .260, p<.05), and family support (β = .151, p<.05). However, genetics made only small and not significant contribution. Therefore, it was recommended that coaches should encourage and guide talented athletes to train regularly to develop their talents. Again, SHSs should provide talented student-athletes with adequate sports facilities and equipment, and qualified coaches to help them develop their sports talent. Also, parents, siblings, and friends should provide support to talented student-athletes in any way possible.